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Job Satisfaction in the Face of Organizational Stress: Validating a Stress Symptoms Survey and Exploring Stress-Related Predictors

Author

Listed:
  • Bojana Jokanović

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Petar Vrgović

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Jelena Ćulibrk

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Ivana Tomić

    (Faculty of Management, Union—Nikola Tesla University, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Ivana Jošanov-Vrgović

    (Faculty of Organizational Studies Eduka in Belgrade, University Business Academy in Novi Sad, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

Abstract

Understanding the relationship between work stress and job satisfaction is crucial for promoting employee well-being and also for sustainable organizational performance. This study proposes and validates, within the population of employees in Serbia, the Stress Symptoms Survey (SSS), an 18-item instrument for measuring physical and psychological symptoms of work-related stress. The scale shows strong internal consistency where a general factor is highly saturated with all survey items. Regression analysis indicated that lack of organizational support was the strongest predictor of lowered job satisfaction, followed by stress symptoms and general job stress; job pressure showed a positive association with job satisfaction when other stressors were controlled. These results highlight the practical value of the SSS and underscore the crucial role of supportive work environments in mitigating stress, enhancing satisfaction and achieving sustainable work performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Bojana Jokanović & Petar Vrgović & Jelena Ćulibrk & Ivana Tomić & Ivana Jošanov-Vrgović, 2025. "Job Satisfaction in the Face of Organizational Stress: Validating a Stress Symptoms Survey and Exploring Stress-Related Predictors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-21, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:17:p:7843-:d:1738617
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    References listed on IDEAS

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