David C. Marchant, Remco C.J. Polman, Peter J. Clough, James G. Jackson, Andrew R. Levy and Adam R. Nicholls
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether employees at various levels of managerial positions (e.g. senior, middle, and junior) exhibit different levels of mental…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether employees at various levels of managerial positions (e.g. senior, middle, and junior) exhibit different levels of mental toughness. In addition, the study seeks to explore possible effects of age on mental toughness.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 522 participants working in UK‐based organisations completed demographic information and the Mental Toughness Questionnaire.
Findings
Results revealed significant main effects for both managerial position and age. Follow‐up analysis revealed that mental toughness ratings were higher in more senior positions, and that mental toughness generally increased with age.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of the study is its cross‐sectional design. Longitudinal studies investigating the development of mental toughness over time or the effect of mental toughness training are needed. It appears, however, that age plays a role in an individual's mental toughness profile. This suggests that increased exposure to significant life events may have a positive developmental effect on mental toughness.
Originality/value
The results of the study would suggest that mental toughness can be developed through appropriate training programmes.
Details
Keywords
Susana Rodrigues, Mariana Kaiseler, Cristina Queirós and Miguel Basto-Pereira
Police in Europe are facing increased demands and diminished resources, and this is particularly prominent among emergency response officers (EROs) working in poorer countries…
Abstract
Purpose
Police in Europe are facing increased demands and diminished resources, and this is particularly prominent among emergency response officers (EROs) working in poorer countries such as Portugal. Considering that daily stress and limited coping skills can result in detrimental consequences for officers’ health and society welfare, the purpose of this paper is to investigate stress and coping among Portuguese EROs.
Design/methodology/approach
EROs completed daily diaries over 11 working days. Each diary entry included an open-ended stressor, coping section and a Likert-type scale to evaluate coping effectiveness. Data were analyzed using inductive and deductive content analysis procedures. The frequency of stressors, coping and coping effectiveness were calculated.
Findings
EROs reported facing more operational stressors, particularly public disorder situations. However, gun situations were perceived as the most intense stressor. Emotion-focused coping (i.e. peer support) was more used than problem-focused. Despite variation in coping effectiveness in accordance to stressor experienced, longitudinal analysis suggests that problem-focused coping is more effective.
Research limitations/implications
Longitudinal methodologies should contemplate stress appraisal and coping effectiveness in order to fully understand stress and coping. Future studies should employ this methodology at a larger scale and over longer periods.
Practical implications
Intervention programs for EROs should be multidimensional, targeting work conditions and resources, stress management, and coping effectiveness.
Originality/value
Findings provide strong recommendations for future research and applied implications for stress prevention and effective coping interventions.