Causal Model of Stress and Coping: Women in Management.

A model of managerial women's stress was tested (N = 249) with structural equation modeling. The model was developed from Lazarus's (1966) theoretical framework of stress/coping and incorporated 3 causal antecedent constructs (Demographics, Sex Role Attitudes, Agentic Traits), 4 mediating constructs (Environment, Appraisals, Engagement Coping, Disengagement Coping), and 3 outcomes (Work Performance, Distress, Satisfaction). The final model, found to be most plausible in the sample population, accounted for 56% of the total variance among the constructs. Lazarus's theory of psychological stress, which postulates a central role for cognitive appraisals and coping, was supported. In addition, agentic traits and sex role attitudes had both direct and indirect effects on outcome variables. Implications for career development theory and counseling, as well as limitations of the study, are discussed.

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