Stress and the medical technologist: II. Sources and coping mechanisms.

Up to 682 medical technologists were surveyed twice at a six month interval regarding a number of factors dealing with job-related stress, nonjob-related stress, personality factors and general health conditions and behaviors. This report summarizes the second data collection period. Overall, pressure for immediate results was found to be the most frequent source of stress, lack of communications the most intense stressor, confronting the stressor the most preferred method of dealing with stress, and complaining to someone the most frequently used coping method. Some differences in preferences and behavior were found between low- and high-stress groups. High-stress respondents were found to have increased likelihood of health problems in a six month period following reporting of their stress levels.