The occupational stress and health outcome profiles of clinical directors in child and adolescent psychiatry

Over 60 per cent of the Consultant Medical Directors of all 102 German Clinics for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry responded to a comprehensive questionnaire to assess specific facets of occupational stress and health outcome (psychological and physical well-being), as well as individual difference variables (Type A behaviour, Locus of Control, and coping). Compared to other managers (n = 287), the medical professionals tended to exhibit greater job-related stress, more specifically in terms of workload, managerial role and daily hassles. Conversely, they reported less stress associated with recognition and achievement. There were no differences in terms of Type A behaviour and coping, but medical directors displayed higher levels of internal locus of control. The majority expressed favourable evaluation of working climate. Overall, they were more satisfied with their work and this was most apparent with respect to intrinsic job satisfaction, organizational satisfaction and organizational security. Daily hassles (day to day irritants and aggravations in the workplace) emerged as the single stress determinant of physical and psychological well-being for the physician group. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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