Stress and quality of life in judges who deal with labor relations: differences in gender

O stress ocupacional é tema freqüente nas pesquisas atuais. Averiguou-se o stress ocupacional de Magistrados da Justiça do Trabalho, níveis de qualidade de vida, fontes de stress e estratégias de enfrentamento. Setenta e cinco juízes completaram cinco inventários, enviados através da associação de classe. O grupo avaliou seu stress ocupacional como nível 8 em uma escala de 0 a 10. Verificou-se que 71% dos juízes apresentavam sintomas de stress. Havia mais mulheres com stress do que homens. Qualidade de vida mostrou-se comprometida nas áreas social, afetiva, profissional e da saúde. Os estressores mais freqüentes foram sobrecarga de trabalho e interferência com a vida familiar. A estratégia mais mencionada foi conversar com o cônjuge. Resultados são discutidos em termos dos possíveis efeitos negativos para os indivíduos nesta classe ocupacional e no processo judicional.Occupational stress is a frequent theme at present. Occupational stress in Brazilian judges in charge of labor -related cases, quality of life, work-related stressors and coping strategies were investigated. Seventy-five judges answered five instruments sent to them through the class association. They rated the perceived occupational stress level as 8 on a rating scale of 0 to 10. It was found that 71% of them and that more women had stress symptoms. Quality of life was deficient in social, professional, affective and health related areas. The most stressful aspects of work were backlog of cases and interference with family life. The most common coping strategy reported was to talk with spouse. Results are discussed in terms of possible adverse effects on the individuals in this occupational class and also on the judging process