Optimism and Coping as Moderators of the Relationship between Chronic Stress and Burnout

Using a model based on Lazarus (1999) and previous research, specific relationships were predicted between the antecedent conditions of chronic stress, personal moderation factors of optimism/pessimism, and coping on the one hand, and the affective outcome of burnout on the other. Participants were 82 information service workers whose jobs required them to evaluate and remediate computer programming problems in anticipation of the Y2K deadline. Multiple regression analysis indicated that Optimism, Pessimism, Control Coping, and Escape Coping all moderated chronic stress for Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization, but not for Personal Accomplishment. Lower Optimism, higher Pessimism, lower Control Coping, and higher Escape Coping all related to increased workers' Depersonalization under conditions of higher chronic stress due to the approaching Y2K deadline. Lower Optimism and higher Pessimism were also related to higher Emotional Exhaustion under conditions of higher chronic stress due to the Y2K deadline. Beyond moderation effects, all moderator variables showed main effects with Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Personal Accomplishment in the predicted directions. Suggestions are given for incorporating results into stress relief efforts in organizations.