Stressed out public servants? Testing the stress appraisal of psychological and emotional stressors on stress reactions through psychological capital

Purpose PA scholars argue that two gaps are present in the stress literature: (1) “stress” is too simply treated as deleterious and (2) insufficient efforts made to capture public servants' appraisal, i.e. degree which stressors appraised hindering or challenging. Overcoming Gap 1, this study aims a continuum; from distress eustress. 2, appraisal studied through testing interaction of PsyCap with most common clusters job stressors: emotional psychological stressors. Design/methodology/approach Hypotheses tested structural equation modeling. A sample used 1,853 Dutch servants. Findings The results show high, but servants often appraise them challenging “part job”, consequently no increased decreased Moreover, capital helps some negative effects emotional, not psychological, less deleterious. Originality/value By approaching continuum, authors bring more complete picture literature. research shows ambiguous existing literature about consequences on distress/eustress can partially be explained by sector differences well personality (i.e. PsyCap). Finally, criticizes one-sided attention purely positive. only unhelpful coping stressors, it also drains properties for dedication.