Perceived control and actual outcomes of hassle situations on the job

The correlations between initial perceptions of operant control, stress arousal, coping style, and reported outcomes of job hassles were examined. Ninety-eight subjects described a stressful situation, completed the Stress Arousal Checklist and a perceived control instrument. Two days later they completed the Ways of Coping Checklist. Subjects were followed for up to six weeks to judge whether or not the situation was resolved and by whom. Perceiving control of a hassle situation was highly associated with the situation being resolved. However, perceiving no control or insufficient resources did not predict outcome as clearly. Emotion-focused coping, but not problem-focused coping or stress arousal, distinguished situations resolved by the subject from those unresolved or resolved in some other way.