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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
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. 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.
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    5. 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.
    6. 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.
    7. repec:thr:techub:10012:y:2020:i:1:p:137-149 is not listed on IDEAS
    8. 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.
    9. 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.
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