Correlations among Work Stressors, Work Stress Responses, and Subjective Well-Being of Civil Servants: Empirical Evidence from China

Abstract

Background: The work stress of civil servants has gradually increased as a result of the modernization of China’s national governance system and capacity. However, research on the correlations among work stressors, work stress responses, and subjective well-being (SWB) of civil servants is scarce.

Methods: In accordance with the current research status on work stress and SWB, a survey of 874 civil servants in China was carried out from May to June 2018. The revised stress response questionnaire of civil servants, work stressors questionnaire of civil servants, and a simplified edition of the SWB scale of China’s urban residents were used in this study.

Results: Superiors impose the major work pressure on civil servants, followed by interpersonal relationship, work particularity, career prospect, work task, perfectionism, and job responsibility. The work stressors of civil servants were significantly related to gender, age, marital status, working years, educational background, and position (P<0.05). The work stressors of civil servants were significantly positively correlated with work stress responses (P<0.05). The work stressors and work stress responses had a significantly negative correlation with SWB.

Conclusion: SWB can be accurately predicted by work stressors and work stress responses. These findings can provide references and guidance for the society and government sectors to accurately understand and cope with the treatment of civil servants, formulate work stress management countermeasures, and create a high-level working environment for civil servants.