Workplace stress is a significant concern in modern working environments. With stress being a known health and psychological risk factor, it is essential to understand how best to mitigate it. The existing literature has established that different coping strategies can be beneficial for stress management. However, the role of compassion towards others has yet to be extensively examined regarding its stress-mitigating properties-especially in the workplace. Through this study, we examine how both positive outlook and compassion towards others can serve as adaptive coping mechanisms, particularly when influenced by intense work demands.
This paper aims to explore the role of emotional mechanisms, such as positive outlook and compassion in mitigating the adverse effects of stress. First, we will look at the direct effect of compassion on stress, where we propose that compassion will reduce perceived stress. Second, we investigate the mediating role of positive outlook, proposing that compassion will enhance positive outlook which will in turn reduce perceived stress. Third, we look at how external factors such as work demands can moderate the relationship between compassion and positive outlook, where high work demands will weaken the relationship. As a result, the indirect effect between compassion and stress will be stronger under low work demands and weaker under high work demands. By understanding how compassion influences perceived stress through positive outlook, this paper can provide insights into improving employee resilience, stress management, and overall well-being.
Results revealed that most hypothesized relationships were not statistically supported. However, a significant moderation effect was found, showing that the relationship between compassion and stress was moderated by work demands.