Linking work conditions to unpleasant affect: Cognition, categorization and goals

Kevin Daniels, Claire Harris, Rob B. Briner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Current approaches to work stress do not address in detail the mental processes by which work events cause unpleasant affect. We propose a cognitive account that incorporates: (1) the distinction between controlled and automatic information processing; (2) the categorization of emotionally relevant stimuli; (3) the role of mental models in coping choice; (4) the enactment of beneficial job conditions through coping; and (5) reciprocal influences between cognition and affect. We conclude by discussing how this account can help explain a range of findings in the work stress literature and how a cognitive approach to work stress informs practice.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)343-363
Number of pages21
JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology
Volume77
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2004

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