Paul is stressed with the new corporate reorganization. He now reports to a foreign office that has usurped many of his responsibilities, including the contract labor for his projects, therefore he's working with less qualified and new contractors with whom he doesn't have a relationship. However, the managers of the other departments find themselves in the same boat and every day they are able to laugh over lunch about their new managerial impotence. ________ is helping Paul handle his stress.
A) Emotional contagion
B) Cognitive dissonance
C) Social support
D) Time management
E) Self-efficacy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social support, in the form of camaraderie with other managers who are also experiencing the effects of the reorganization, is likely helping Paul handle his stress. The fact that they are able to laugh over lunch suggests that they are providing each other with emotional support and understanding, which can help to alleviate stress. Emotional contagion (A) refers to the phenomenon of emotions being unconsciously transmitted between individuals, and it is not clear how this would apply in this scenario. Cognitive dissonance (B) refers to the mental discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs, and this is not applicable here. Time management (D) and self-efficacy (E) may be useful strategies for dealing with stress, but there is no evidence that Paul is currently utilizing these methods.

Paul Is Stressed with the New Corporate Reorganization