Constructing occupational stress in a human service agency.

The present study explored the multiple meanings of occupational stress in a human service agency by using a constructivist approach. It was posited that such an approach could transcend some of the problems that have plagued conventional approaches to stress research, particularly, the difficulty in defining constructs, the compartmentalization of stress, and the isolation of stress research in particular academic traditions. It was argued that even a dynamic, process-oriented approach such as the transactional approach to stress could not surmount these problems, unless posited in a framework other than positivism. During thirteen interviews, the respondents and the researcher created meanings for stress at this particular agency. These meanings included several important themes, such as teamwork, communication, and violence in the workplace. Possible connections between the concepts of control and social interaction and stress were discussed in light of these prominent themes. In addition, the political implications of the themes were also discussed, particularly with respect to power relations and the regulation of employees in the workplace. Limitations and future directions for the present approach were also presented.Dept. of Psychology. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1993 .R62. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 33-04, page: 1353. Supervisor: Kathryn Lafreniere. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1994