Reclassification of the work-related stress questionnaires scales based on the work system model: A scoping review and qualitative study

Background Given the wide variety of factors affecting work-related stress, a work system approach could be adopted in order to better identify factors that impact individual stress. Objectives To provide a scoping review of the available work-related stress questionnaires and to reclassify their scales on the basis of the five elements included in the work system model using a content analysis method. Methods The main available work-related stress questionnaires used in previous studies in the time range of 1975 to 2017 were collected through a search in several indexing and citation databases. To reclassify the scales of these questionnaires, a qualitative content analysis was used and then reclassified in accordance with the five components of work system model: job (tasks), organizational condition, individual characteristics, technology and tools, and physical environmental. Results In total, 22 questionnaires met the conditions required to be entered into the final stage of the study. Emphasis of these questionnaires was on measuring job-related factors and organizational condition-related factors. 22.7% of them had considered no scales to measure the individual characteristics-related factors. Conclusions The results of the reclassification can help organizations select areas that encompass their own specific problems. Practical implications are also discussed.