Occupational Stress and Coping with Stress: A Critique

This paper considers problems in the conceptualization and operationalization of four concepts in occupational stress research: stress, strain, coping behavior, and coping style. The paper argues that a lack of conceptual and operational clarity in each of these areas has led to confusion in both the conduct and the interpretation of occupational stress and coping research, citing examples from the literature to support and illustrate this argument, as well as re-analyzing previous research. Recommendations are made for future research methodology which may overcome or limit some of the conceptual and operational problems examined.