ANXIETY AND PERCEPTIONS OF THE WORK-ENVIRONMENT

This study considers the relationship of trait and state anxiety with perceptions of the work environment. Perceptions of the work environment are comprised of a number of variables known to affect productivity, stress, interpersonal relations, and satisfaction. Anxiety was assessed via the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger, 1983), and the work environment with the Work Environment Scale, (Moos, 1986). Results show that both state and trait anxiety are inversely related to involvement, peer cohesion, and physical comfort, and positively related to work pressure. State anxiety is also negatively related to job clarity. Involvement in the organization, task orientation, and job clarity were most closely related to state anxiety. Perceptions of control and physical comfort were significantly related to trait anxiety. Results are presented for all respondents and for those with elevated anxiety.