Unifying the challenge-hindrance and sociocognitive models of stress.

We put forth a theoretical unification of 2 of the more popular theories of job stress: challenge-hindrance and the sociocognitive models of stress, to explain the process by which stress impacts performance. In Study 1, we manipulated challenge (n 98) and hindrance stress (n 96) and measured its effect on perceived stress, on-task effort, negative affective thoughts, and decision-making performance. The relationship between perceived stress and...