The causes of stress and strategies for managing stress: A case study of Thai university staff and lecturers

Abstract

This research aimed at finding the causes of stress, effects of stress, and strategies for managing stress; a difference in the causes and effects of stress among participants; and a relationship between the causes and effects of stress. The research questionnaire was used to ask 360 university staff and lecturers. The research findings showed that participants perceive time management, finance, and workload to be the main causes of stress. Headache, physical burnout, and loss of concentration were the main effects of stress. Concerning strategies for managing stress, participants try to complete the urgent and important jobs before the due date in order to reduce work overload; make a list of income and expense in order to reduce financial problem; work part-time in order to increase income; work continuously and constantly in order to reduce workload; accept the reality that not everyone can achieve everything he or she hopes or wishes; and create a positive thinking that each problem has its own solution. The results of hypotheses testing showed that age group, marital status, work experience, and financial status were factors influencing the causes of stress. There was a positive relationship between the causes and effects of stress. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2012.