Workplace social stressors, drug-alcohol-tobacco use, and coping strategies

ABSTRACT

This research examined the stressor–strain relationship, specifically as it applies between social stressors and the behavioral strain of drug-alcohol-tobacco (DAT) use. Using a transactional model of the job stress process, this article examines the mediating role of coping strategy between perceived workplace-conflict types and employee DAT use. Of the conflict types, nontask organizational conflict emerged as an incremental predictor of employee DAT use. Results also indicated indirect effects from workplace stress upon employee DAT use, especially through avoidant, withdrawal, and disengagement type strategies. Implications for workplace interventions and future research considerations are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Coping mechanisms
• employee substance use
• transactional stress process
• workplace conflict