Abstract
The Information Technology (IT) industry in India is an integral part of the nation’s economy. The COVID-19 pandemic is a cause of disquietude and is probably the gravest challenge encountered by the IT industry at present. Although the IT industry has contributed to varied sectors globally amid the crisis, IT professionals encounter a profusion of mental health challenges. Despite this, there have as yet been limited studies focusing on the mental health impact on IT professionals during this period. This study strives to explore the role of socio-demographic factors on perceived stress and to examine the association between gratitude and perceived stress among IT professionals in India during the pandemic. Data from 219 participants were included for analysis in this cross-sectional, correlational study. Findings suggest that there exists a significant difference in perceived stress based on gender, marital status, and parental status. Furthermore, the results demonstrate a significant negative association between gratitude and perceived stress. The study contributes to the field of cognitive ergonomics and broadens the theoretical knowledge base of perceived stress based on socio-demographic elements. Findings also have positive implications for organisational psychologists as they suggest that encouraging a focus on gratitude could aid in lower perceived stress.
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to all the participants of the study.
Data availability statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available on request. The data is not publicly available due to confidentiality concerns of the participants.
Declaration of conflicting interests
The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this research paper.
Funding
The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this research paper.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Riba Maria Kurian
Riba Maria Kurian is a PhD research scholar in Psychology at the CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, India. She has been honoured with two Gold medals at the National level from the Indra Gandhi National Open University (India) for being the top scorer in psychology and overall social science subjects. Her mission to embark on human dilemmas is delineated through her writings and are built around real-world challenges. She strives to connect with the society at large through her craft, and intends to interest psychologists/counsellors with distinct designs to address human dilemmas during strenuous circumstances.
Shinto Thomas
Shinto Thomas, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, India, received his doctorate from Pondicherry University. His interests include positive psychology perspectives, and his writings concentrate on the prevalent social challenges with a focus on emerging adults and children.