Stress Bragging: Harmful Effects on Workplace Relations
Feeling stressed is common among employees and can impact their well-being. Surprisingly, some employees not only experience stress but also brag about it at work. This study introduces the concept of "stress bragging" and examines its effects on workplace relationships. Through a lab experiment and a field study, the researchers found that stress bragging negatively affects both the braggarts and their coworkers. Braggarts are perceived as less competent and less warm, leading to reduced support from colleagues. Additionally, coworkers of stress braggarts experience higher burnout levels due to increased stress crossover. This research highlights the negative relational consequences of stress bragging, integrating insights from stress and self-promotion studies.
