Stress-coping strategies among construction personnel : an integrative review

Abstract

Construction personnel are faced with a considerable amount of stress, which negatively impacts their health and well-being. This has spurred research into stress and mental health in the industry. However, studies reviewing stress-coping strategies adopted by construction personnel are lacking. The study integratively reviewed articles on stress-coping strategies among construction personnel to determine the coping strategies employed in the industry and the effect of such strategies on personnel's performance and health. The database of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was searched to retrieve relevant literature within the period 1990 to 2020. Using the PRISMA guidance and CEBM critical appraisal tool, a total of nineteen studies met inclusion criteria. The literature on stress-coping strategies was classified into four categories: family, mental ill-health, workplace stressors, and coping strategy influencers. Project performance increased with the adoption of problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping behaviors. Cultural values, income, and motivation influenced the type of coping strategy adopted. Problem-focused coping strategies (particularly active coping, social support, religion, and positive reappraisal) alleviated depression, anxiety, and stress. This study informs on appropriate methods and policies for researching stress-coping strategies in the construction industry. There is a need for investigations into resilience as a coping resource, future-oriented stress-coping along the generational gap, and assessment of stress-coping interventions on a "pre and post-intervention" and "short and long time" basis.