Stress, Type-A, Coping, and Psychological and Physical Symptoms: A Multi-Sample Test of Alternative Models

Abstract

Theoretical and empirical organizational stress research typically focuses on some combination of stress, personality factors, coping, and symptoms of ill health. Though these factors are typically considered important, there is considerable disagreement regarding the underlying process by which they are interrelated. This article discusses and empirically evaluates seven alternative conceptual models specifying the interrelationships among stress, personality (in this case, Type-A behavior pattern), coping, and psychological and physical symptoms, using data from 1468 adults in four occupations. Results generally support three models which incorporate linear effects and fail to support four models which incorporate nonlinear, i.e., interactive, effects. Implications for research are discussed.