How Work Stress Messes with Your Mind and Motivation
Work stress can have a profound impact on individuals, affecting not just their feelings but also their thoughts and perceptions about their jobs. A recent study delved into this issue, examining how stress influences workers' cognitive and emotional states.
The Cognitive-Affective System Theory of Personality
The study utilized the cognitive-affective system theory of personality, which posits that thoughts and feelings are interconnected and influence each other. This theory helped explain how stress affects work engagement.
Emotional and Cognitive Effects of Stress
- Emotional Side: Stress can induce feelings of anxiety and tension, leading to emotional exhaustion and reduced interest in work.
- Cognitive Side: Stress can also affect how individuals think about their work, causing self-doubt and decreased confidence.
Both emotional and cognitive impacts can result in lower work engagement, where individuals feel disconnected and unmotivated.
The Cycle of Negativity
Stress doesn't just make people feel bad; it alters their perception of their work, creating a cycle of negativity that further diminishes work engagement.
Types of Stress
The study differentiated between two types of stress:
- Role Stress: Originates from job-related factors such as excessive workload or unclear expectations.
- External Stress: Comes from personal issues outside of work.
The focus was on role stress, which can make individuals feel trapped and inadequate, negatively impacting their work engagement.
The Role of Cognitive-Affective System Theory
According to this theory, role stress affects both thoughts and feelings, leading to a negative spiral that reduces work engagement. Understanding this interplay can help in developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of work stress.