Work Stressor Questionnaire

Work Stressors can be identified in almost all aspects of one's job. Before taking action to eliminate or reduce these stressors, pinpoint their sources. Isolate these factors so corrective action can begin. Instructions:

Think about how often you encounter the following

situations. Circle the appropriate frequency.

A. Disagreement & Indecision Unsure of co-workers expectations Unfriendly attitude in co-workers. Job responsibilities go against your better judgement. Can't satisfy conflicting demands from superiors. Trouble refusing overtime

B. Pressure on the Job Overloaded at work, unable to complete tasks during an average day. Too much supervision. Job requirements are taking their toll on your private life. Rushed to complete work or short on time. Too much red tape. C. Job Description Conflict

Uncertainty about your exact job responsibilities. Too much teamwork. Poor flow of information to you in order to carry out your job. Not enough authority for you to properly do your job. Discomfort in handling unethical assignments. D. Communications & Comfort with Supervisor Ideas differ from those of your supervisor. Trouble talking to boss. Unable to predict supervisors reactions. Boss gives little feedback about your work. Boss is overly critical of your work.

E. Job Related Health Concerns Work conditions are unhealthy. Physical danger exists at work place Heavy physical tasks to complete. Hostile threats from co-workers. Sick days are discouraged. F. Work Overload Stress Can't consult with others on projects. Co-workers are inefficient. Often take work home to complete. Responsible for too many people/projects. Shortage of help at work.

G. Work Underload Stress Too little responsibility at work. Overqualified for your job. Little chance for growth exists. Trying to "look" busy on job. Feeling unstimulated.

H. Boredom Induced Stress Repetitive or highly specialized routine. Not learning anything new. Can't see final outcome of your efforts. Job is too easy. Daydreaming frequently.

I. Problem of Job Security Fear of being laid-off or fired. Worry about poor pension. Concerned about low wages. Need "pull" to get ahead. Could be fired without cause.

J. Time Pressure Constant reminders that "time is money". Starting and ending times are rigid. Monotonous pace of work. Not enough break or meal time. Work pace is too fast.

K. Job Barrier Stress Hope for advancement or raise is limited. Sex/age discrimination exists at job. Not suited to job. Work has no personal meaning. Work goes unrecognized. Scoring Instructions 1 Never 2 Rarely

3 Occasionally 4 Usually 5 Constantly

For each section, add the numbers associated with your answers and record them in the list below. Put a star (*) next to the highest scoring category.

A Disagreement & Indecision B Pressure on the Job C Job Description Conflict D Communication & Comfort with Supervisor E Job-Related Health Concerns F Work Overload Stress G Work Underload Stress H Boredom Induced Stress I Problem of Job Security J Time Pressure K Job Barrier Stress

TOTAL SCORE (add scores A to K)

Within each area scores will range from 5 to 25. Scores of 14 or above suggest problem areas. Overall scores will fall within the 55 to 275 range. Scores of 135 or above would suggest an unusual amount of work related stress. Use the Ten Tips for Preventing Burnout in the next section to combat the effects of work related stress. copyright 2001 American Institute for Preventive Medicine

A. Very true, I agree fully B. True, I agree C. I cannot say D. Not true, I disagree E. Not true, I totally disagree Once you finish writing your responses to all items, you can go to the scoring key, given at the end. Now start taking the test. 1. I do things in a hurry. 2. I like to travel slowly. 3. I eat food faster. 4. I never interrupt when others talk. 5. I want to finish works with neatness and perfection. 6. I speak slowly. 7. Seeing lazy people I get angry. 8. I never bet with others. 9. I feel tensed on thinking about my responsibilities. 10. I am not happy to wait in a queue. 11. I always consider the feelings of others while talking. 12. I take intoxicants. 13. I pray regularly. 14. I am interested in religious books. 15. My sexual life is not satisfactory. 16. I watch movies and plays. 17. I practice meditation. 18. I dont reveal secrets to others. 19. I cant stay away from home. 20. I fell tensed on unexpected arrival of a guest. 21. I feel disturbed on an unexpected expenditure.

22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66.

I I I I I I I I I

have debts. quarrel frequently with spouse. feel that some of my family members are against me. am not properly understood. feel devaluated in society. cant plan my financial budget properly. am not being loved. have a lot of family problems. reach home late.

I discus my problems with family members. I have experiences of loosing job unexpectedly. I am often scolded by superiors for coming late. I fear my work place. I quarrel with colleagues. I had been a scapegoat in fight between superiors. I dont like in engaging in love affairs. I receive confusing and contradicting instructions from above. My job is boring one. I am not paid adequately. My work evokes prick of conscience. I had to bear injustice silently. I am satisfied at work. I am well trained for my work. I get angry soon. I dont loose opportunities to help others. I believe and spread rumors. I am a patient listener. I am willing to accept my faults. At times I feel like destroying everything. I suffer from headache. I have fre3quent attacks of chest pain. I have poor appetite. I sweat without reason. I dont get adequate sleep. I have nightmares. I loose control soon. I hate criticism. I feel anxious. I feel calm. I usually regret for what has happened. I fell sorry. I feel frustrated. I am happy. I am confident. I feel worthless.

For more information on development of this inventory, please visit http://EzineArticles.com/?id=48173

Dr. Hari S.Chandran, M.Phil (Psy), Ph.D, PGDPC is working as Cons. Psychologist ,Department of Deaddiction&Mental Health,St.Gregorios Mission Hospital, Parumala. Kerala, drhari7@hotmail.com This is a questionnaire to measure your STRESS in different life situations. Once you finish answering, give scores to each response. Scores 1,2,3,4,5 respectively for A,B,C,D,E. Qns. 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 31, 43, 44, 46, 48, 49, 60, 64, 65 should be scored in the opposite order.( Scores 5,4,3,2,1 respectively for A,B,C,D,E) Find your total score. If it is above 150, you should find out what makes you tensed, may be your life style... try to change it. If above 250, you need professional help to reduce stress. Thanks, Dr.Hari Dr. Hari S.Chandran, M.Phil (Psy), Ph.D, PGDPC is working as Cons. Psychologist, Department of Deaddiction & Mental Health, St.Gregorios Mission Hospital, Parumala. Kerala, India drhari7@hotmail.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

STRESS INVENTORY Instructions: The following scale was developed by Holmes and Rahe to investigate the relationship between social readjustment, stress and susceptibility to illness. They found that a person with a score of 200-250 during a one-year period has a 50% chance of developing illness or health change. With a score of 300 or more, a person's chances increase to 80%. Look over the events listed below. Place a check in the space provided if it has happened to you within the last twelve months. 1. Death of a spouse (100) 2. Divorce (72) 3. Marital separation (65) 4. Death of a close family member (63) 5. Personal injury or illness (53) 6. Marriage (50) 7. Marital reconciliation (45) 8. Change in health of family member (44) 9. Pregnancy (40) 10. Gain of new family member (39) 11. Job Change (38) 12. Change in financial status (37) 13. Death of a close friend (36) 14. Increase in arguments with significant other (35) 15. Mortgage or loan of major purchase (home, etc.) (31)

16. Foreclosure of mortgage or loan (30) 17. Change in responsibilities of your job (29) 18. Son or daughter leaving home (29) 19. Trouble with in-laws (29) 20. Outstanding personal achievement (28) 21. Spouse begins or stops work outside the home (26) 22. Revision of personal habits (24) 23. Trouble with boss (23) 24. Change in work hours or conditions (20) 25. Change in residence (20) 26. Change in sleeping habits (16) 27. Change in eating habits (15) 28. Vacation (13) 29. Christmas (12) 30. Minor violations of the law (11) Total:
0

Interpretation: Drs. Holmes and Rahe have shown the relationship between recent life changes (exposure to stressors) and future illness. Listed below are the score categories and the related probability of illness for a person in that range. It is estimated that it will take 1 year to replenish the energy expanded in adjusting to any of the changes described in the scale. 0-149 150-199 200-299 no significant problem mild stress moderate stress

35% chance of illness 50% chance of illness

300+

major stress

80% chance of illness

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