Article Title: Workplace Stress and Coping Strategies of Security Guards working in Universities
Author(s): Abeer Saleem, Farhat Jamil, & Ruhi Khalid
Institute(s): Institute of Psychology, Beaconhouse National University
Jouranl: Pakistan Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 2017, Vol. 15, No.2, 29-36
Correspondence Address: Farhat Jamil, Assistant Professor, Institute of Psychology, Beaconhouse National University (Pakistan), Email: Farhat.nadeem@bnu.edu.pk
Abstract
The present research explored factors causing work-place stress and coping strategies in security guards working in universities. This study used a qualitative research design with a sample consisting of 11 guards working in a university. Their ages ranged between 23 and 50 years. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants. A semi-structured interview schedule was developed and administered for the purpose of data collection. Analysis of data was done by using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The results showed that job stressors relating to job roles like duty hours and low income were most prevalent among guards. Furthermore, the most prevalent coping mechanisms employed by guards were religious coping and acceptance. Owing to the increased incidents of terrorism in our country, the results of this research hold useful implications for any development needed in this profession and/or providing more benefits for security guards in future to improve their performance and hence, security of the institution.
Keywords: Work-place stress, coping mechanisms, security guards, semi-structured interviews, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
