ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the conceptual basis for differentiating the stress process into the three components of challenge, hindrance, and threat. It identifies the distinguishing characteristics of these three components and also identifies typical job demands associated with each, and presents research that identifies different consequences of challenges, hindrances, and threats. The Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) model predicts that in terms of employee wellbeing, job demands are harmful and job resources are helpful. Although distinctive risk and resilience factors are recognized with the JD-R model, the original model did not distinguish among qualitatively different types of job demands. Research on the distinction between hindrances and threats is at a very early stage, but is already showing intriguing insights in terms of wellbeing, motivation, and behavior. Job crafting is increasingly recognized as a powerful technique that employees can and do use to change the way their work is performed.
