Affiliations: Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT, USA | Tunxis Community College, Farmington, CT, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Martha J. Sanders PhD MSOSH OTR/L
CPE, Assistant Professor, Quinnipiac University, 275 Mt. Carmel Ave., Hamden,
CT 06518, USA. Tel.: +1 203 582 8416; Fax: +1 203 582 8706; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: Occupational stress represents a cause of attrition from the field
of dental hygiene. However, few studies have examined occupational stress in
dental hygienists with a focus on the dynamics of the organization and the
concept of emotional labor. The purpose of the study was to investigate the
nature of occupational stress (organizational stress and emotional labor) in
experienced dental hygienists and to examine the relationship between
occupational stressors and manifestations of stress (or personal strain). Two
hundred invitations were sent to randomly selected dental hygienists in the
Northeast. Only 40 dental hygienists met the inclusion criteria for the study
and 30 individuals participated in the study. Participants completed a
demographics questionnaire, an Emotional Labor Survey, the Occupational Stress
Inventory, and a Musculoskeletal Discomfort Body Map. Overall, levels of occupational stressors, personal strain, and
coping resources were within norms. The sample indicated high frequency of
musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck (87%), upper back (63.3%), lower back
(63.3%), shoulders (53%), and wrists (36.7%). Moderate correlations existed
among occupational stressors related to organizational ambiguity, emotional
labor, personal strain, and musculoskeletal discomfort. Emotional labor emerged
as an occupational stressor that may warrant future investigation.
