Work-relevant values strengthen the stressor-strain relation in elite army units

We examined in this research whether possessing work-relevant values would lead to stronger relations between different types of stressors and outcomes. U.S. Army Rangers completed the Rokeach Value Survey (Rokeach, 1973) and measures assessing work overload, role clarity, and amount of sleep. Rangers also completed measures of job satisfaction, morale, and psychological distress (depression, somatization, and anxiety). Due to the nature of our sample, we concentrated on the instrumental values (ways individuals attain desired states) contained in the Rokeach Value Survey. A principal axis analysis of these values revealed factors reflecting achievement-related values and affiliation-related values. Moderated multiple regressions revealed that Rangers who scored higher on the achievement value evidenced a stronger relation between the following variables: role clarity and job satisfaction, morale, and somatization; work overload and job satisfaction and morale; and between amount of sleep and anxiety, depression, and somatization. Thus, the achievement value moderated eight stressor-strain relations. In contrast, scores on the affiliation value only strengthened the stressor-outcome relation on three occasions. Discussion of the results focuses on how work-relevant values might amplify the impact of work-relevant experiences.