Elaboration on role theory explanations of job-related stress

The objective of the dissertation is to address weaknesses in the present role-based conceptualization of boundary spanner job stress. In particular, the dissertation explores a class of role variables, which relate to boundary spanner perceptions of role importance, as moderating the stressor (e.g., role conflict)---felt stress relationship. In particular, the dissertation draws from base theory on roles to identify intrinsic (e.g., role identification) and extrinsic (e.g., role sanctioning) sources of role motivation that should impact whether role stressors actually result in felt stress. As such, the dissertation questions the dominant research paradigm for exploring role-related stress by contending that role stressors do not automatically equate to psychological stress. Also, by parceling out the effects of role stressors and felt stress, the dissertation explores the mediating affect of felt stress on both psychological and behavioral responses to stressors. The dissertation improves the explanatory power of job stress models and address discrepant findings in the extant role theoretical research on job stress.