Occupational stress and job satisfaction among Canadian physicians

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Abstract
Literature reviews in the area of stress in the medical profession (e.g. Scheiber 1987) reveal that research has primarily focused on identifying specific work stressors, and few studies have reported relationships between occupational stress, job satisfaction, and stress outcomes, as well as the particular practice characteristics and individual differences that may contribute to stress and satisfaction. The present paper examines the relationships among such variables in a national sample of Canadian physicians. Data were collected from 2584 physicians representing all ten Canadian provinces using questionnaires. Results showed that major sources of stress indicated by physicians were largely related to time pressures, and that ability to help patients and relationships with colleagues were major sources of satisfaction. A number of stressors and work demands contributed to overall stress, and satisfaction with several aspects of practice contributed to overall satisfaction. Results indicated that physicians who experienced greater levels of occupational stress were less satisfied with their practices and had more negative views about the health care system. Attitudes about the health care system were predicted by demographic variables, practice variables, and self-reported sources of both satisfaction and stress. It seems that negative attitudes about the health care system were predicted most strongly by dissatisfactions and frustrations with limitations and procedures imposed on the profession by the government.