Abstract:
Stress is a common problem among industrial workers. The purpose of this quasi-experimental
research was to examine the effects of the stress management program applying the selfefficacy theory
and social support on stress level of workers in a mediumsized industry. The subjects were selected by
purposive sampling from female workers in mediumsized food product industry in Ratchaburi
province. There were 35 subjects in the experimental group and 35 subjects in the comparison group.
Data were collected from October 2008 to January 2009. The experimental group participated in the
program which were composed of discussion with positive role models, demonstration, individual
practice, support from supervisor, and handbook, whereas the comparison group received knowledge
from billboards, leaflets and handbooks. Data were collected by using self-administration
questionnaires. The statistical analysis was performed using percentage, arithmetic mean, standard
deviation, MannWhitney U test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
The results revealed that after the intervention, the experimental group had perceived self
efficacy of stress management significantly higher that before the intervention and that of the
comparison group (p-value < 0.05). The perceived outcome expectation of stress management of the
experimental group had also statistically significantly increased more than before the intervention
(p-value < 0.05), but was not different from the comparison group. Supervisor supportive, management
skills stress and stress level after the intervention were not significantly different from before the
intervention and that of the comparison group.
The findings revealed that stress management program applying the selfefficacy theory
yielded positive change on perceived selfefficacy of stress management of workers in mediumsized
industry, and there are suggestions for further research to develop the program that can reduce stress
level of workers.