Open Access

ARTICLE

Exploring the Interplay between Job Stress, Work Performance, and Attitudes toward Professional Psychological Help among Employees

Cong Minh Le¹, Son Van Huynh², Ky Luu^2,*, Quynh-Nhi Ngoc Ho², Van Thi Le Nguyen³, Vinh-Long Tran-Chi^2,4
1 Center for Mental Health Research and Support, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
2 Faculty of Psychology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
3 Faculty of Tourism, College of Business, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
4 Scientific Management Department, Dong A University, Da Nang, 500000, Vietnam
* Corresponding Author: Ky Luu. Email:

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion https://doi.org/10.32604/ijmhp.2024.050961

Received 23 February 2024; Accepted 30 April 2024; Published online 03 June 2024

Abstract

Background: This study explores the interplay between job stress, job-related factors, work performance, and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help among Vietnamese employees. Methods: A total of 374 employees in Vietnam were surveyed using random sampling and an online questionnaire from November 07 to November 28, 2023. Demographic data and self-reported from three scales: The New Job Stress Scale (NJSS), Work Performance (WP), and Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help (ATSPPH_SF) were collected. Results: Significant variations were found across several variables, including forms of work, operating hours, education levels, monthly income, numbers of daily working hours, and the presence of a psychological counseling department within the company. Our analysis has highlighted direct relationships between key latent variables. Employees who were more open to seeking professional help tended to report higher levels of job stress. The negative relationship was found between job stress and attitudes toward seeking professional help. Additionally, work effort was positively associated with work quality. Moderation analyses revealed the influence of co-worker support on role expectation conflict and work effort, role expectation conflict and work-life balance, as well as interactions between role expectation conflict and attitudes needed toward seeking professional help. Mediation analyses showed that work effort mediated relationships between openness to seeking professional help, co-worker support, work-life balance, role expectation conflict, and work quality. Attitudes toward seeking professional help also mediated relationships between work-life balance, job stress, and work quality. Conclusion: The study highlights the complex dynamics surrounding job stress, job-related factors, work performance, and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help among Vietnamese employees. It highlights the importance of addressing help-seeking barriers, promoting work engagement, and fostering healthy work-life balance for employee well-being and productivity. Further research across diverse contexts and interventions is needed.

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Keywords

Stress; co-worker support; work-life balance; role expectation conflict; professional psychological help-seeking

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