The Present and Future Status of Stress Research

Abstract

Five research thrusts were identified in current stress research: replications and extensions of ISR's work environment and health model, Type A behavior, psychological burnout, social support, and the work-nonwork interface. However, one or more limitations were noted in stress research methodology which limited the value of much of this work. In addition to addressing these short-comings, future stress researchers are encouraged to employ longitudinal designs and include measures of physiological symptoms. Stress researchers should concentrate on: stress as a process, blue and pink collar workers, work stress of women, sex differences in stress dynamics, and the work, family and societal interface. In addition, bridging the gap between the producers and consumers of stress research findings would achieve betterr informed research and practice. Although occupational stress has become a central variable in OB research, our understanding of stress phenomena remains rather limited. Increases in understanding will continue to come slowly.