The direct and relative efficacy of Cognitive Hardiness, Type A Behaviour Pattern, Coping Behaviour and Social Support as predictors of stress and ill-health

Abstract

The direct and relative influence of Cognitive Hardiness, the Type A Behaviour Pattern, Coping Behaviour and Social Support upon the intensity of self-reported job stress, daily hassles, anxiety and physical health were examined within a voluntary sample of 1925 white and blue collar employees within a large Australian university. Data from direct comparisons via MANOVA procedures showed that all four predictor variables were significantly associated with most of the dependent variables. However, comparison between these four predictor variables via stepwise regression indicated that Cognitive Hardiness was the single most powerful and consistent predictor, followed by the absence of the Type A Behaviour Pattern. Implications for treatment and prevention are discussed, with several suggestions made for future research.