Work-related Stress, Self-efficacy, and Well-being of Female Clerical Workers

Abstract

This study examines individual differences (self-efficacy, marital status) and environmental factors (work stressors, personal and work supports) as predictors of two measures of well-being (trait anxiety and work performance). The data were collected from 56 female clerical workers employed by a large university. Multiple regression analyses showed that individual differences and environmental factors were significant predictors of well-being. For the criterion variable trait anxiety, self-efficacy and perceptions of work stress significantly contributed to the explained variance. However, the relationship between work stress and trait anxiety was greater for single than for married women. Self-efficacy and perceptions of work stress also predicted work performance impairment; that is, women with diminished selfefficacy and high work stress tended to report greater impairment of work performance. These results are discussed in relation to an individual counseling approach to the study and remediation of work-related stress for female clerical workers.