Stress and Coping Profiles of IFS Officers: An Empirical Analysis

This study attempts to identify the different coping strategies forest officers use while facing multifarious role stressors. Thirty-four forest officers from Bhopal and surrounding areas were selected to participate in this study. Data was collected through personal visits to the residences of different officers during their free time. The study utilised the subjective, objective and projective (Role PICS) techniques as per their suitability for extracting different types of information. The results suggested that there was a positive and significant relationship between stress, avoidance strategies and type A personality. Forest officers having type A personality experienced more role stress and used more avoidance-based strategies to cope with it. Overall, 23.5 per cent of the sample was found to be experiencing high stress and ineffective coping. The officers found to be under stress were further asked to participate in the EMG biofeedback-induced relaxation training session.