Coping with Work Stress: A Review and Critique

"Richly referenced to open further research and understanding, this book is an amazing and indispensable study of a difficult working condition. It is hoped that it will receive a wide circulation in every industry whose workforce is at risk of neglected work stress." (RoSPA Occupational Safety & Health Journal, 1 July 2011)

"Dewe (organizational behavior, U. of London, UK) et al. review issues surrounding work stress and coping research, what is needed to sustain this research, and possible new coping strategies for individuals and organizations to use when dealing with work stress and improving health and well-being." (Reference and Research Book News, February 2011)

‘With the growing epidemic of stress and the lack of overall well-being at work, Coping with Work Stress could not have come at a better time! The authors, all experts on the topics of stress and coping, cover the basic concepts and measurement issues associated with stress and its many negative symptoms and then offer many excellent and useable suggestions about how individuals and organizations can better cope with stress to help reduce those symptoms. Overall, a highly readable and important book on stress and coping that is a must for everyone.’
—Professor Randall S. Schuler, Rutgers University, USA

“In Coping with Work Stress, Philip Dewe, Michael O'Driscoll and Cary Cooper provide an excellent review of the literature in this field, highlighting areas of debate and their possible resolution. A must-read for researchers, as it provides opportunities for advancing the quality of coping studies in the workplace. Their linking of personal coping with organizational-level interventions, and their emphasis on positive outcomes as well as illness, have important individual and organizational health implications as well.”
—Ronald J. Burke, Professor Emeritus, York University, Canada

“Life is difficult…work is stressful! Coping with Work Stress is a key to unlocking the cell door. Preventing stress, health problems, and violence is always preferable yet not always possible. Therefore, coping skills are mandatory. Dewe, O’Driscoll, and Cooper make an important transactional contribution with this volume. The book is concise, well organized, robust, up-to-date, and most importantly humane. New wine for old wounds!”
—Professor James Campbell Quick, The University of Texas at Arlington, US

“There is compelling evidence about the conditions of work and management that help to promote individual health and wellbeing.  This book addresses the known but too often ignored harm that pervades work and workplaces when those conditions are neglected. People who are determined to enhance the quality of working life and prevent the adverse psychological and physical reactions that are a consequence of fruitless stress will welcome this book.  It should be required reading for all those interested in workplace stress.”
—Professor Dame Carol Black, National Director for Health and Work, UK