Affiliations: Centre for National Research on Disability and
Rehabilitation Medicine and Disability and Rehabilitation Research Unit,
Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
Abstract: The main aim of this research was to investigate the impact of
stressors and supports present in both work and non-work domains on
occupational health. Using a multi-dimensional survey (SWS-Survey of
Occupational Health), the relationships between personal and environmental
stress and support was determined for a sample of stress injury claimants
(n = 60) and non-claimants (n = 570). A
series of regression analyses found significant differences between claimants
and non-claimants for both stressors and supports. Poor mental health was best
predicted by stress scales for claimants and non-claimants. However, for
non-claimants, work support was found to be a significant determinant of
outcome. Good mental health was best predicted by support scales for
non-claimants, but only by personal support for claimants. Overall, these
findings highlighted the influential role of work and personal supports in
mitigating the negative impact of stress as well as promoting well-being in the
workplace. Specifically, employers must recognise the impact of worker's
subjective appraisal of their circumstances and focus on facilitating
occupational well-being among their employees.
Keywords: Stress, presenteeism, psychological injury, social support
