INTERPRETIVE STYLES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO JOB-RELATED STRESS - 2 STUDIESOF MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES

A recent study by Thomas and Tymon identified a set of interpretive st yles that appeared to contribute to job-related stress symptoms in wor kers. This paper reports two new studies that extend that research. Th ese studies use survey data from 142 part-time MBA students and 408 pr oject engineers, respectively. Results identify three interpretive sty les that explain a significant proportion of variance in self-reported stress symptoms. Deficiency focusing involves a tendency to focus on what is wrong or can go wrong. Necessitating involves thinking in term s of what one ''needs'' to do. Low skill recognition involves a tenden cy not to attribute successes to one's competence. These interpretive styles appear consistent with constructs proposed by Beck, Ellis, and Seligman in clinical populations. The styles are asserted to increase stress by skewing subjects' primary appraisal process toward higher pe rceived threat. Possible interventions for modifying these interpretiv e styles are discussed.