Career coping and subjective well-being among university employees

Abstract

We examined coping strategies by higher education employees to handle work stress as differentiated by personnel variables. We further examined levels of subjective well-being (SWB) in the same employees. Sixty-three higher education employees participated (males = 30; females = 33; mean age = 41.3 years). The participants completed the Coping Orientation to the Problems Experienced (COPE) survey, which measures different behaviours and cognitive activities one may engage in to cope with stress. They also completed the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) which is a measure of subjective well-being (SWB). Academic staff used problem-solving coping strategies more than administrative or support staff did. Both academic and support staff had a greater use of avoidance coping strategies than would be expected in a knowledge-based learning community. Senior staff had higher SWB as did staff with higher qualifications.