Theoreticalframework
Theoreticalframework
What is your theoretical approach, framework, or lens in addressing the problem? Why
this approach?
Psychological distress refers to uncomfortable feelings or emotions that impair a person's ability to
function. These negative feelings and emotions arise in individuals who face numerous issues and
problems that have not been successfully addressed. People often choose to overlook their issues and
problems instead of seeking solutions. This leads to a chain of unresolved problems, which
exacerbates the experience of psychological distress. (Mirowsky & Ross, 2003).
(Eto yung link: Mirowsky, J., & Ross, C. E. (2003). Emotional Coping Through Solution Focused
Counselling Therapy: Case Study of Psychological Distressed Women.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334457194)
According to Pearlin’s theory of psychological distress, there are four key factors that impact a
person's self-development. The first factor is personality, which encompasses traits such as gender
and educational background. The second factor is coping mechanisms, referring to an individual's
ability to handle distress. The third factor involves social support, which is crucial for individuals to
manage their distress effectively. Lastly, situations and times when psychological distress occurred
and it requires appropriate response.
Conceptual Framework
This diagram depicts the conceptual framework outlining the various factors influencing psychological
distress. The diagram provides a structured view of how demographic, social, personal, and
environmental factors interconnect, impacting psychological distress in employees with associate
degrees. This comparative analysis can help identify which factors are most significant for this specific
employee group.
This research aims to examine psychological distress levels among employees with associate
degrees, who may face unique challenges in the workplace due to their educational
background. By understanding the mental health needs of this group, the study seeks to
identify stressors related to career growth, work environment, and relationships with
colleagues, which can impact job satisfaction, productivity, and retention. The findings will
help organizations improve work environments, foster positive relationships, and create
equitable career opportunities, leading to better employee well-being and organizational
performance. HR professionals and mental health practitioners will also benefit by gaining
insights to design tailored policies and interventions. This research contributes to broader
initiatives promoting mental health in the workplace and encourages further exploration of
how educational attainment affects mental well-being in professional settings.
Our study, "Assessing Psychological Distress Among Employees with Associate Degrees,"
addresses gaps in the study "Educational Attainment and Psychological Distress Among
Working-Age Adults in the United States" by focusing specifically on associate degree
holders in the workplace. Unlike the broader analysis in the referenced study, our research
explores unique sources of workplace-related distress for this group, such as the work
environment, career growth, and interactions with colleagues of different educational
backgrounds. It also incorporates demographic and work experience factors like age, sex,
and years of experience to better understand their impact on psychological distress.
Additionally, our study aims to create targeted interventions for associate degree holders
and investigates gender-based differences in distress symptoms within the workplace.
Studying psychological distress among employees with associate degrees is significant for
understanding the relationship between education, workplace environment, and mental
health. While higher education is generally linked to better psychological well-being,
individuals with associate degrees face unique challenges, such as limited career
advancement, which may affect their mental health differently compared to those with
higher or lower education levels. This research addresses gaps in the “education-health
gradient,” particularly the anomaly where those with "some college" report similar or worse
mental health than high school graduates. By examining factors like job environment, career
development, and workplace relationships, the study aims to refine theories like Person-
Environment Fit (P-E Fit) and explore how educational attainment and work experience
impact mental health, offering insights for targeted interventions to improve the well-being
of this workforce.