PSYCHOLOGY MASTER'S THESIS ABSTRACT

Karon Mac Neill
Industrial/Organizational
December 1998

Controlling Physician Stress: Moderating Effect of Perceived Job Control on Relationship between Job Stressors and Job Attitudes

    The present study examined whether perceived job control moderates the relationship between sources of physician stress and attitudinal outcomes.  A total of 110 MDs in southern California voluntarily participated in this study.  Each MD signed a consent form and completed an anonymous mail survey.  To protect confidentiality, the surveys and consent forms were returned in separate postage-paid envelopes.  Predictions were made about the relationships between perceived job stressors, perceived job control, and job attitudes.

    The research variables were intercorrelated, and a hierarchical regression analysis was performed.  An inversed relationship was found between perceived job stressors and two job attitudes (job satisfaction and professional commitment).  Moreover, a direct relationship was found between perceived job control and the aforementioned job attitudes.  Lastly, findings failed to demonstrate that perceived job control moderates the relationship between perceived job stressors and attitudinal outcomes.

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