UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

FACULTY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL
PSYCHOLOGY, GUIDANCE AND
COUNSELLING.

Dissertation topic:

Impact of work place stress on Emotional well-being and job

productivity amongst health workers in Rivers State.

Presented by

OGBONNAYA SANDRA EGWU

G2022/MED/EDP/FT/034
 CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Background to the Study

In the contemporary work environment workplace stress has long been a

subject of interest in organizational psychology, given its critical

influence on both individual and organizational outcomes. The concept of

workplace stress gained prominence in the mid-20th century when

researchers began to explore the adverse effects of environmental and

psychological stressors on employees' performance and overall health.

Stress is considered a normal part of life which is necessary occasionally

as a push to increasing functional capacity, but when it is experienced

over a prolonged period it becomes detrimental to health leading to a

decline in productivity. Stress According to Robbins and Sanghi (2006)

“A dynamic condition in which an individual is confronted with an

opportunity, constraints, or demand related to what he or she desires and

for which the outcome is perceived to be both uncertain and important.”

Stress can also be defined as a particular relationship between the person

and the environment that is assessed by the person as taxing or exceeding

his or her resources and endangering his or her well-being. Stress on its

own does not have any damaging effect on an individual; however

individuals’ assessment of an event, their perceptions and interpretations

give meaning and their coping ability determines whether events are

viewed as threatening or positive.

As the modern workforce continues to evolve, understanding workplace

stress becomes increasingly important, particularly in sectors like

healthcare, where the stakes are high, and the consequences of stress can

be severe. Workplace stress in healthcare settings is particularly

significant due to the demanding nature of the job as a result of

advancement in technology and patient’s demand for quality in response

to increasing health care cost

Health workers, including doctors, nurses, and other allied professionals,

face a myriad of stressors daily, from long working hours and high patient

loads to life-and-death decision-making and emotional exhaustion. As

Rivers State's healthcare system continues to experience strain due to

limited resources and high patient demand, understanding the impact of

workplace stress on health workers is essential. This research is critical

because prolonged exposure to workplace stress can negatively impact

emotional well-being and job productivity, leading to burnout, poor

mental health, and diminished work performance.

Emotional well-being, a key variable in this study, refers to an

individual's overall emotional quality of life. In the context of health

workers, emotional well-being encompasses feelings of satisfaction,

balance, and the ability to cope with workplace challenges effectively.

High levels of workplace stress are often linked to reduced emotional

well-being. Health workers, who are constantly exposed to traumatic

situations, demanding schedules, and sometimes poor working

conditions, are particularly vulnerable to emotional exhaustion and stress-

related mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.

Job productivity of health workers refers to the efficiency and

effectiveness with which health workers perform their duties. High job

productivity is critical in healthcare settings, where workers’ performance

directly influences patient outcomes. Stress in the workplace has been

shown to be a significant determinant of job productivity. For health

workers, high levels of stress can reduce the ability to focus, make

decisions, and perform clinical tasks, leading to a decline in productivity.

The impact of workplace stress on emotional well-being, and job

productivity is complex and interdependent. High workplace stress often

leads to emotional distress, which can then reduce an individual's ability

to work effectively conversely, when health workers experience good

emotional well-being, they are more resilient to workplace stress and can

maintain higher levels of job productivity. A worker who is emotionally

balanced is more likely to engage positively with their work environment,

have better interpersonal relationships with colleagues and patients, and

manage job stress more effectively.

Several empirical studies support the need for such research. For

example, a study by Shanafelt et al. (2015) found that workplace stress

among healthcare providers was significantly associated with emotional

exhaustion and reduced job productivity, leading to compromised patient

care. Similarly, a Nigerian study by Ogunbameru (2016) highlighted that

healthcare workers in high-stress environments were more likely to report

lower levels of job satisfaction and higher rates of burnout, which directly

affected their productivity and emotional health. These studies

demonstrate the urgent need for interventions that can mitigate the

negative effects of workplace stress on health workers’ emotional well-

being and productivity, particularly in under-resourced settings like

Rivers State.

In conclusion, the interplay between workplace stress, emotional well-

being, and job productivity is a critical area of research, especially in the

healthcare sector, where workers are continually exposed to stressful

environments. .

1.2 Statement of the problem

Workplace stress among health workers has become a significant issue

worldwide, especially in regions with limited healthcare resources, such

as Rivers State, Nigeria. Health workers, including doctors, nurses, and

support staff, are frequently exposed to high levels of physical,

emotional, and psychological stress due to the demanding nature of their

work. In Rivers State, these stressors are often exacerbated by systemic

challenges such as insufficient staffing, inadequate medical supplies, long

working hours, and poor working conditions. The increasing pressure on

health workers has led to widespread reports of emotional exhaustion,

decreased job productivity, and higher rates of burnout. The situation has

reached a critical point, where addressing workplace stress is not only a

matter of worker welfare but is also essential for ensuring the delivery of

quality healthcare services.

Given the demanding nature of healthcare workers, especially in regions

like Rivers State, where health facilities may be under-resourced and

understaffed, understanding the impact of workplace stress on emotional

well-being and job productivity is crucial. The insights gained from this

study will provide valuable knowledge for hospital administrators,

policymakers, and counselors to design interventions aimed at reducing

workplace stress, improving emotional well-being, and enhancing job

productivity among health workers. In the long run, this could lead to

better patient care, lower turnover rates among health professionals, and

overall improvements in the healthcare system.

Emotional well-being, a key aspect of health workers' overall quality of

life, is severely impacted by prolonged workplace stress. Emotional well-

being encompasses the mental and emotional balance necessary for

effective job performance and personal satisfaction. However, when

health workers are consistently overwhelmed by stress, they experience

higher levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout, which undermine their

emotional resilience. This emotional strain directly affects their ability to

perform at an optimal level, leading to reduced job productivity. For

health workers, compromised emotional well-being can result in

decreased attention to patient care, more frequent errors, absenteeism, and

an overall decline in the quality of healthcare services. In extreme cases,

this can also lead to long-term mental health disorders or decisions to

leave the healthcare profession entirely.

The urgency of this issue is underscored by empirical evidence. A study

by Shanafelt et al. (2015) conducted in the United States found that

healthcare professionals experiencing high levels of workplace stress and

emotional exhaustion were more likely to exhibit lower job productivity

and higher rates of burnout. The study revealed that more than 50% of
physicians surveyed reported symptoms of burnout, which significantly

affected their ability to deliver quality patient care. This empirical finding

is consistent with the challenges faced by health workers in Rivers State,

where a similar pattern of high stress and reduced productivity is

observed.

Additionally, a study by Ogunbameru (2016) in Nigeria examined the

impact of occupational stress on job performance among health workers

in Ekiti State, which shares similarities with Rivers State in terms of

healthcare challenges. The study revealed that high levels of workplace

stress among health workers were directly linked to decreased job

performance, increased absenteeism, and lower job satisfaction. Health

workers in the study also reported feelings of emotional fatigue and

burnout, which impaired their ability to provide adequate patient care.

These findings demonstrate that workplace stress is not only a local issue

but a widespread problem that requires urgent attention.

If left unresolved, workplace stress in Rivers State’s healthcare system

could have devastating consequences. The continued strain on health

workers threatens their mental health and emotional well-being, which in

turn affects their job productivity and the overall quality of healthcare

services.

1.3 Research Objectives:

1. To assess the level of workplace stress experienced by health workers

in Rivers State hospitals.

2. To determine the impact of workplace stress on workplace stress on

the emotional well-being of health workers in Rivers State hospitals

3. To determine the impact of workplace stress on job productivity

among health workers in Rivers State hospitals.

4. To investigate the role of demographic factors (e.g., age, gender, years

of experience) in moderating the impact of workplace stress on emotional

well-being amongst health workers in Rivers State hospitals.

5. To investigate the role of demographic factors (e.g., age, gender, years

of experience) in moderating the impact of workplace stress on job

productivity amongst health workers in Rivers State hospitals.

6. To find out the impact of workplace stress on the emotional wellbeing

and job productivity of health workers in Rivers State hospitals.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the level of workplace stress experienced by health workers

in Rivers State hospitals?

2. How does workplace stress impact the emotional well-being of health

workers in Rivers State hospitals?

3. How does workplace stress impact job productivity among health

workers in Rivers State hospitals?

4. How do demographic factors (e.g., age, gender and years of

experience) moderate the relationship between workplace stress and

emotional well-being among health workers in Rivers State hospitals?

5. How do demographic factors (e.g., age, gender and years of

experience) moderate the relationship between workplace stress and job

productivity among health workers in Rivers State hospitals?

6. What is the combined impact of workplace stress on both emotional

well-being and job productivity of health workers in Rivers State

hospitals?

1.5 Hypotheses

1. There is no significant level of workplace stress experienced by health

workers in Rivers State hospitals.

2. Workplace stress has no significant impact on emotional well-being

among health workers in Rivers State hospitals.

3. Workplace stress has no significant impact on job productivity among

health workers in Rivers State hospitals.

4. Demographic factors (e.g., age, gender, and years of experience) do

not significantly moderate the relationship between workplace stress and

emotional well-being among health workers in Rivers State hospitals.

5. Demographic factors (e.g., age, gender, and years of experience) do

not significantly moderate the relationship between workplace stress and

job productivity among health workers in Rivers State hospitals.

6. Workplace stress has no significant combined impact on the

emotional well-being and job productivity of health workers in Rivers

State hospitals.

1.6 Significance of the study

This study aims to explore the Impact of Workplace Stress on Emotional

Well-Being and Job Productivity among Health Workers in Rivers State.

The significance of this study lies in its potential to provide valuable

insights and practical implications for multiple stakeholders, including

health workers, healthcare institutions, policymakers, educators, mental

health professionals and the overall healthcare system. This research

seeks to address the pressing need for empirical evidence on how

workplace stress impacts the emotional well-being and job productivity

of health workers, particularly in Rivers State, where healthcare workers

face additional challenges due to systemic issues such as inadequate

facilities, understaffing, and insufficient support structures.

The findings from this study will be beneficial to health workers

themselves, as it will provide deeper insights into the impact of stress

they experience on the job and their emotional well-being. By

understanding the effects of stress, health workers can become more

aware of the importance of stress management and seek appropriate

interventions that will improve their mental health and job satisfaction.

This awareness is crucial for reducing burnout, emotional exhaustion, and

job dissatisfaction, which are common in high-stress professions like

healthcare.

For healthcare institutions, the study will shed light on the direct

connection between workplace stress and job productivity. Hospitals and

other health facilities can use the findings to implement policies aimed at
reducing stress levels among staff, which in turn would enhance

employee performance and the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery.

By addressing stress-related issues, healthcare institutions can reduce

absenteeism, increase staff retention, and ensure higher quality patient

care. Furthermore, this study could serve as a guide for implementing

training programs focused on stress management and emotional

resilience, which are essential for maintaining a healthy and productive

workforce in the healthcare sector.

Policymakers in the healthcare sector will also benefit from the findings

of this study. As workplace stress becomes increasingly recognized as a

critical factor in job performance and mental health, the results of this
research will offer evidence-based recommendations for creating

supportive work environments that promote emotional well-being and job

satisfaction. Policies informed by the study could focus on improving

work conditions, offering mental health support for healthcare

professionals, and addressing systemic issues that contribute to stress,

such as workload management and equitable distribution of resources.

Finally, the healthcare system as a whole stands to gain from this study,

as improving the emotional well-being and job productivity of health

workers directly correlates with the overall quality of care provided to

patients. A workforce that is emotionally balanced and productive is

better equipped to handle the demands of patient care, leading to better

health outcomes, fewer medical errors, and improved patient satisfaction.

The long-term effects of such improvements can contribute to a more

efficient healthcare system, better health service delivery, and a healthier

population in Rivers State..

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is defined by several key factors that guide the

focus and limitations of the research. This study will specifically target

health workers, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare

professionals, within selected hospitals in Rivers State. The geographical

scope is limited to Rivers State to ensure that the findings are

contextually relevant to the healthcare system and working conditions

experienced by health workers in this region. By focusing on a specific

locale, the study can provide more in-depth insights that reflect the

unique socio-economic, cultural, and organizational factors affecting the

health workforce in this area.

The workplace stress variable will be examined by exploring factors such

as workload, long working hours, resource constraints, and interpersonal

conflicts within the healthcare setting. These stressors are commonly

reported in healthcare environments and are expected to have a

significant impact on health workers' mental health and job performance.

Emotional well-being will be assessed by evaluating indicators such as

burnout, anxiety, depression, and overall mental health status, while job
productivity will be measured through job performance metrics such as

task efficiency, absenteeism, and patient care quality. These variables

have been chosen because of their direct relevance to the health sector

and the growing need to address workplace stress in healthcare.

The study will focus on health workers in public and private hospitals,

ensuring a diverse sample that reflects different types of healthcare

facilities. However, it will exclude health workers in clinics, small

healthcare centers, or non-hospital settings to maintain a clear focus on

hospital-based healthcare professionals. Additionally, the study will not

include administrative staff or non-health professionals within the

hospital environment, as the aim is to concentrate on those directly

involved in patient care.

A significant delimitation of the study is its reliance on self-reported data

to assess workplace stress, emotional well-being, and job productivity.

Although this method allows for a deeper understanding of the subjective

experiences of health workers, it may introduce biases such as

underreporting or over reporting due to personal perceptions. The study

also focuses primarily on quantitative data collection, using structured

questionnaires and standardized scales to measure stress, emotional well-

being, and job performance. While this approach enables a broad analysis

of trends and correlations, it may limit the depth of insights compared to

qualitative methods such as interviews or focus groups.

Another delimitation of the study is the time frame during which the data

will be collected. The study will collect cross-sectional data at a single

point in time, which may limit the ability to examine long-term effects of

workplace stress on emotional well-being and job productivity. Future

studies may need to incorporate longitudinal designs to track changes

over time.

In conclusion, this study is focused on understanding the relationship

between workplace stress, emotional well-being, and job productivity

among health workers in Rivers State hospitals. It is geographically

limited to Rivers State, concentrated on hospital settings, and uses self-

reported, quantitative data collection methods. While these delimitations

help to narrow the study's scope for manageability, they also set

boundaries that future research could explore further to gain a more

comprehensive understanding of the phenomena under investigation.

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