The effect of occupational stress on job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing : a comparative study

This thesis examines the effects of sources of stress upon job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing among fire fighters in Malaysia and UK and also investigates the roles of work motivation and coping behaviour as moderate variables. The aim was to establish an indigenous model for this occupational group in Malaysia. In addition, the study examines socio-demographic factors, e.g. length of service, rural vs. urban Malaysian fire fighters and full time vs. retained UK fire fighters. A comparative analysis was conducted between Malaysian and UK samples to establish whether there are cross-cultural differences in fire fighters’ work motivation and coping behaviour. The study used a questionnaire survey and area sampling design, with a response of 617 (77% response rate) from 800 Malaysian fire fighters and 436 (41.8%) from 1042 UK fire fighters. The questionnaire comprised: the Sources of Occupational Stress in Fire Fighters and Paramedics scale, the Motivational Orientation Inventory, the Coping Response of Rescue Workers and the Job Satisfaction Scale. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine the moderating effect of work motivation and coping behaviour on job satisfaction and psychological well being and found differences between the Malaysian and UK fire fighters. Models of job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing for both cultures were produced. Relationships between sources of stress, work motivation, coping behaviour, psychological wellbeing, job satisfaction, and the differences between sub-groups of respondents (urban and rural Malaysian fire fighters, fulltime and retained UK fire fighters) are discussed. The results suggest that training that focuses on psychological aspects (stress management, coping strategies etc), and the use of counsellors should be highlighted. It was suggested that the Malaysian Fire Brigade should establish a Counselling Unit, to deal with psychological problems faced by the fire fighters.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo