IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jijerp/v20y2023i4p2866-d1059663.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

A Study of Psychometric Instruments and Constructs of Work-Related Stress among Seafarers: A Qualitative Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Siti Nazilah Mat Ali

    (Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia)

  • Lucian-Ionel Cioca

    (Faculty of Engineering, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 550025 Sibiu, Romania)

  • Ruhiyah Sakinah Kayati

    (Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia)

  • Jumadil Saputra

    (Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia)

  • Muhammad Adam

    (Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia)

  • Roxana Plesa

    (Faculty of Sciences, University of Petrosani, 332006 Petrosani, Romania)

  • Raja Zirwatul Aida Raja Ibrahim

    (Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia)

Abstract

Due to unpredictable and demanding working circumstances and the significant potential for dangers and accidents, seafaring has been characterised as one of the world’s riskiest and stressful vocations that lead to physical and mental health problems. However, very few instruments measure work-related stress, particularly in a seafaring context. None of the instruments are psychometrically sound. Therefore, a valid and reliable instrument to measure seafaring work-related stress is indispensable. This study aims to review work-related stress instruments and to explore the work-related stress construct among seafarers in Malaysia. This study uses a systematic review and semi-structured interviews across two phases. In Phase 1, we conducted a systematic review of several databases: Academic Search Ultimate, Emerald Journal Premier, Journal Storage (JSTOR), ScienceDirect, Springer Link, Taylor and Francis Online, and Wiley Online Library based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). In 8975 articles, only 4 (four) studies used psychological instruments and 5 (five) studies used survey questionnaires to measure work-related stress. In Phase 2, we conducted a semi-structured interview with 25 (twenty-five) seafarers, online due to COVID-19 restrictions. The semi-structured interview indicated 6 (six) themes, namely, physical stress, personal issues, social living onboard, technostress, work factors, and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, the present study has identified three psychometric instruments for measuring work-related stress among seafarers: The Psychological General Well-Being Index, Perceived Stress Scale, and Job Content Questionnaire. We also found psychometric elements in some of the instruments are questionable, such as theoretical basis, construct development, and inadequate internal consistency value. In addition, this study also found that work-related stress is a multidimensional construct that needs to be studied based on work contexts. The findings of this study can contribute to the body of knowledge of a work-related stress construct in a seafaring context and could help to inform policy makers in the maritime industry. This study suggests a psychological instrument to measure work-related stress among seafarers in future studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Siti Nazilah Mat Ali & Lucian-Ionel Cioca & Ruhiyah Sakinah Kayati & Jumadil Saputra & Muhammad Adam & Roxana Plesa & Raja Zirwatul Aida Raja Ibrahim, 2023. "A Study of Psychometric Instruments and Constructs of Work-Related Stress among Seafarers: A Qualitative Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:2866-:d:1059663
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/4/2866/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/4/2866/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Marcus Oldenburg & Hans-Joachim Jensen & Ute Latza & Xaver Baur, 2009. "Seafaring stressors aboard merchant and passenger ships," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 54(2), pages 96-105, April.
    2. G Nurcholis & M Qurniawati, 2020. "Psychological well being, Stress at Work and Safety Behaviour at Sea of Seafarer on Shipping Company," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 12(1), pages 137-149, October.
    3. Adnan ul Haque & John Aston, 2016. "A Relationship Between Occupational Stress And Organisational Commitment Of It Sector'S Employees In Contrasting Economies," Polish Journal of Management Studies, Czestochowa Technical University, Department of Management, vol. 14(1), pages 95-105, December.
    4. Ji An & Yun Liu & Yujie Sun & Chen Liu, 2020. "Impact of Work–Family Conflict, Job Stress and Job Satisfaction on Seafarer Performance," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-14, March.
    5. Yi-Shih Chung & Paul Tae-Woo Lee & Jeong-Kwan Lee, 2017. "Burnout in seafarers: its antecedents and effects on incidents at sea," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(7), pages 916-931, October.
    6. Yuen, Kum Fai & Loh, Hui Shan & Zhou, Qingji & Wong, Yiik Diew, 2018. "Determinants of job satisfaction and performance of seafarers," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 1-12.
    7. R Zirwatul Aida R Ibrahim & Wan Zaleha Mohd Zalam & Bob Foster & Teuku Afrizal & Muhamad Deni Johansyah & Jumadil Saputra & Azlina Abu Bakar & Mazidah Mohd Dagang & Siti Nazilah Mat Ali, 2021. "Psychosocial Work Environment and Teachers’ Psychological Well-Being: The Moderating Role of Job Control and Social Support," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-19, July.
    8. Marcus Oldenburg & Hans-Joachim Jensen, 2019. "Stress and Strain among Seafarers Related to the Occupational Groups," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-9, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Ji An & Yun Liu & Yujie Sun & Chen Liu, 2020. "Impact of Work–Family Conflict, Job Stress and Job Satisfaction on Seafarer Performance," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-14, March.
    2. Li, Xue & Zhou, Yusheng & Yuen, Kum Fai, 2022. "A systematic review on seafarer health: Conditions, antecedents and interventions," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 11-25.
    3. David Lucas & Olaf Chresten Jensen & Brice Loddé & Richard Pougnet & Jean-Dominique Dewitte & Dominique Jegaden, 2020. "Comment on Oldenburg, M., Jensen, H.J. Stress and Strain among Seafarers Related to the Occupational Groups. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, doi:10.3390/ijerph16071153," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-3, February.
    4. Li, Xue & Seah, Rachel & Wang, Xueqin & Yuen, Kum Fai, 2022. "Investigating the role of sociotechnical factors on seafarers’ psychological capital and mental well-being," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    5. Yuan Gu & Dongbei Liu & Guoping Zheng & Chuanyong Yang & Zhen Dong & Eugene Y. J. Tee, 2020. "The Effects of Chinese Seafarers’ Job Demands on Turnover Intention: The Role of Fun at Work," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-14, July.
    6. Marcus Oldenburg & Hans-Joachim Jensen, 2020. "Reply to Comment on Oldenburg, M., Jensen, H.J. Stress and Strain among Seafarers Related to the Occupational Groups. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019 , doi:10.3390/ijerph16071153," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-2, March.
    7. Chiara Ghislieri & Domenico Sanseverino & Valentina Dolce & Paola Spagnoli & Amelia Manuti & Emanuela Ingusci & Tindara Addabbo, 2023. "Emotional Exhaustion and Engagement in Higher Education Students during a Crisis, Lessons Learned from COVID-19 Experience in Italian Universities," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-17, February.
    8. Md. Abu Issa Gazi & Md. Aminul Islam & Jakhongir Shaturaev & Bablu Kumar Dhar, 2022. "Effects of Job Satisfaction on Job Performance of Sugar Industrial Workers: Empirical Evidence from Bangladesh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-24, October.
    9. Eunice Abdul, Omolara, 2018. "Entrepreneurial skills and growth of Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs): A comparative analysis of Nigerian entrepreneurs and Minority entrepreneurs in the UK," MPRA Paper 86751, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 19 Apr 2018.
    10. Wang, Xueqin & Wong, Yiik Diew & Li, Kevin X. & Yuen, Kum Fai, 2021. "Shipping industry's sustainability communications to public in social media: A longitudinal analysis," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 123-134.
    11. Zhou, Yusheng & Li, Xue & Yuen, Kum Fai, 2022. "Holistic risk assessment of container shipping service based on Bayesian Network Modelling," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
    12. Saif, Mehvish & Ali, Syed Zain & Zehra, Syeda Zufiesha & Zehra, Beenish, 2017. "Prevalence of neuro-musculoskeletal complications in patients with T2DM," MPRA Paper 80252, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 15 Apr 2017.
    13. Claire Giot & Laure Lejeune & Nicolas Bessot & Damien Davenne, 2023. "A Survey Exploring How Watch Officers Manage Effects of Sleep Restrictions during Maritime Navigation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-13, January.
    14. M, Mirfan & Gani, H. Mursalim Umar & Serang, Serlin & Arifin, H. Zaenal & Jamali, Hisnol, 2018. "Relation of Lecturer’s Competency, Motivation and Utilization of Information and Communication Technologies to Job Satisfaction and Performance," OSF Preprints q7w5y, Center for Open Science.
    15. Sanjay Kumar Sah & Sumesh S Dadwal, 2018. "Managing Strategic Change and ERP Implementation under Distinctive Learning Styles: Quantitative case of Burberry PLC," International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, Human Resource Management Academic Research Society, International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, vol. 8(2), pages 188-204, February.
    16. M, Mirfan & Gani, H. Mursalim Umar & Serang, Serlin & Arifin, H. Zaenal & Jamali, Hisnol, 2018. "Relation of Lecturer’s Competency, Motivation and Utilization of Information and Communication Technologies to Job Satisfaction and Performance," OSF Preprints kcxf3, Center for Open Science.
    17. Mikko Myllylä & Heikki Kyröläinen & Tommi Ojanen & Juha-Petri Ruohola & Olli J. Heinonen & Petteri Simola & Tero Vahlberg & Kai I. Parkkola, 2022. "The Effects of Individual Characteristics of the Naval Personnel on Sleepiness and Stress during Two Different Watchkeeping Schedules," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-17, October.
    18. Sabir Sadiq Abdulkhaliq & Zrar Mohsin Mohammadali, 2019. "The Impact of Job Satisfaction on Employees' Performance: A Case Study of Al Hayat Company - Pepsi Employees in Erbil, Kurdistan Region - Iraq," Management and Economics Review, Faculty of Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 4(2), pages 1-13, June.
    19. GholamReza Zandi & Imran Shahzad & Muhammad Farrukh & Sebastian Kot, 2020. "Supporting Role of Society and Firms to COVID-19 Management among Medical Practitioners," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-16, October.
    20. Breyer, Tina & Gutschmidt, Anne & Nerdinger, Friedemann W., 2013. "Expertenfeedback im Notfall-Management-Training: Eine experimentelle Studie," Rostocker Beiträge zur Wirtschafts- und Organisationspsychologie 11, Universität Rostock, Seniorprofessur für Wirtschafts- und Organisationspsychologie.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:2866-:d:1059663. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.