A Revised Ecological Model of Occupational Stress: Applications to 9-1-1 Telecommunicators

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Psychology
• Organizational behavior

Background:

• Extensive research links occupational stress to adverse worker health, safety, and organizational outcomes.
• Limited progress in prevention/amelioration is attributed to the absence of a comprehensive theoretical model for occupational stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a robust, multilevel conceptual model of occupational stress and strain.
• To integrate existing theoretical models and an ecological framework.

Main Methods:

• Developed a multilevel conceptual model based on a review of existing occupational stress theories and an ecological framework.
• Identified diverse sources of occupational stressors and potential protective factors.

Main Results:

• The proposed ecological model offers a broad conceptualization of outcomes, encompassing individual, work unit, and organizational levels.
• Includes outcomes such as worker resilience and organizational dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• The model enhances understanding of occupational health and worker well-being.
• Provides guidance for occupational health nurses in developing targeted interventions and future research.
• Facilitates the development of evidence-based strategies to mitigate occupational stress.