EVALUATION OF OCCUPATIONAL STRESS AMONG EMPLOYEES IN SELECTED OIL AND GAS COMPANIES IN RIVERS STATE
Abstract
This study evaluated occupational stress sources, effects, coping mechanisms, and organizational support among 400 frontline employees in selected oil and gas companies in Rivers State, Nigeria, using a descriptive cross-sectional design. Questionnaire measured stress on a 5-point Likert scale (1=Never to 5=Always for stress/coping/effects; 1=Not available at all to 5=Very effective for organizational support), with means (M) representing average scores and standard deviations (SD) indicating variability. Key findings include high overall stress (M=3.49, SD=0.76), driven by fear of accidents/security threats (M=3.84, SD=1.10) and hazardous exposures (M=3.68, SD=1.00). Stress effects were pronounced (M=3.23, SD=0.87), particularly in absenteeism/turnover intentions (M=3.55, SD=1.09) and fatigue (M=3.49, SD=1.07). Coping adoption was strong (M=3.55, SD=0.90), emphasizing prayer (M=4.36, SD=0.95) and family support (M=3.50, SD=1.07). Organizational support lagged (M=2.85, SD=0.78), with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) scoring lowest (M=2.43, SD=1.28). All null hypotheses were rejected: ANOVA showed company-type stress differences (F=135.89, p<.001); regression confirmed stress predicts performance effects (R²=.550, β=.742, p<.001); t-tests revealed gender coping variations (p<.01); and multiple regression explained support predictors (R²=.614, p<.001). Theoretically grounded in Transactional, COR, DCS, JDC, and ERI models, results highlight Niger Delta-specific vulnerabilities, urging mandatory audits, culturally integrated EAPs, and equitable policies to mitigate $500 million annual losses from stress-related absenteeism and enhance workforce resilience.
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