Abstract
Testing of REBT theory in the work environment is a relatively new research domain, with few promising studies, especially
in the context of occupational stress. The aim of this study is to explore the role that irrational and rational beliefs play,
as factors of cognitive appraisal, in the development of some of the occupational stress indicators, as well as possible interaction
between stressful working conditions and irrational beliefs. A sample of 221 Serbian employees, mostly from the private and
public sectors, participated in this study. The results of the hierarchical regression analyses indicate that irrational beliefs
make an independent contribution to the prediction of distress and burnout, although that contribution is less prominent than
that of stressors. Rational beliefs significantly predicted distress, but not work burnout. Finally, no significant interactions
were found between stressors and IB/RB. It can be concluded that (ir)rational beliefs play a significant role in distress
and burnout prediction, but no support for a diathesis-stress model of cognitive vulnerability to occupational stress has
been found in the present study. The results will be discussed in the context of REBT theory and practice.
in the context of occupational stress. The aim of this study is to explore the role that irrational and rational beliefs play,
as factors of cognitive appraisal, in the development of some of the occupational stress indicators, as well as possible interaction
between stressful working conditions and irrational beliefs. A sample of 221 Serbian employees, mostly from the private and
public sectors, participated in this study. The results of the hierarchical regression analyses indicate that irrational beliefs
make an independent contribution to the prediction of distress and burnout, although that contribution is less prominent than
that of stressors. Rational beliefs significantly predicted distress, but not work burnout. Finally, no significant interactions
were found between stressors and IB/RB. It can be concluded that (ir)rational beliefs play a significant role in distress
and burnout prediction, but no support for a diathesis-stress model of cognitive vulnerability to occupational stress has
been found in the present study. The results will be discussed in the context of REBT theory and practice.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10942-012-0157-5
- Authors
- Boris Popov, Department of Psychology, University of Novi Sad, Dr Zorana Ðinđića 2, Novi Sad, 21000 Serbia
- Stanislava Popov, Medical High School, Narodnog fronta 3, Zrenjanin, 23000 Serbia
- Journal Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy
- Online ISSN 1573-6563
- Print ISSN 0894-9085