**2. Theories for the occurrence of occupational stress**

There are a few theories in the field of psychology to explain the occurrence of occupational stress (**Figure 1**). The first and most accepted theory is the demandcontrol model wherein stress can happen when the workload is high; however, the decision-making authority is low. Alternatively, when the workload is high and there is a significant lack of resources or support to perform that job, that can also lead to stress and in that case, the demand-resource model would be applicable. Stress can occur when the skills, abilities and attitude of the employee do not match the requirements of the job, and this is called the person–environment fit model. When the efforts put in for a particular job are not rewarded appropriately in the form of pay or fair treatment or even a mere appreciation, it can lead to stress, and in this case, it is referred to as the effort–reward imbalance model. Finally, as indicated at the start of this chapter, it is also important to understand that the ability to cope to various stressful conditions differs from individual to individual, and when the stressors go beyond an individual's ability to cope with stress, then, it is referred to as the diathesis–stress model.

**Figure 1.** *Models to explain the occurrence of occupational stress.*

*Introductory Chapter: Occupational Stress and General Coping Strategies DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.110803*
