Effects of acceptance-based coping on task performance and subjective stress

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Organizational Behavior
• Human Resources

Background:

• Job control and coping mechanisms are crucial for employee well-being and performance.
• Understanding the interplay between these factors can optimize workplace interventions.
• Previous research has explored these elements independently, necessitating an examination of their interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interactive effects of acceptance-based coping and job control on task performance, subjective stress, and perceived control.
• To determine if specific coping strategies enhance the benefits of increased job control.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for improving employee psychological states and productivity.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 48 students who received training in either acceptance or control coping strategies.
• Participants then completed a high-workload task under varying conditions of job control (high or low).
• Measurements included task performance, subjective stress levels, and perceived control.

Main Results:

• A significant interaction was observed between acceptance-based coping and job control, positively impacting perceived control and task performance.
• No significant interactive effect was found concerning subjective stress.
• The findings suggest a synergistic relationship between coping strategies and work environment characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing employees' perceived control and job performance requires a dual approach: increasing job control via work redesign and fostering psychological acceptance.
• Interventions should consider both structural job changes and individual psychological strategies.
• Future research should explore these interactions in diverse occupational settings.