ABSTRACT
This chapter shows the lack of attention to the broader theoretical content of occupational stress: by far the greatest number of studies on the effects of negative work factors on occupational stress has been conducted by psychologists. Psychological approaches to the study of occupational stress and ill-health tend to be astructural. The chapter argues that extensive variations occur in conceptual and methodological approaches to the study of occupational stress and ill-health. It reviews the literature that evaluates negative work experience resulting from lack of control over work processes and lack of opportunity to make decisions at work. This includes the impact of work factors such as lack of control over work and incorporates the effects of both technology and lack of decision-making power. Nelkin and Masreliez describe the effects of negativity or no feedback from management, while Bolinder records negative effects of distinctions made by management between blue- and white-collar workers.
