Occupational Stress in Journalism: Examining Job Autonomy as Moderator Between Job Demands and Interpersonal Dynamics

Abstract

Journalism is a high-pressure occupation with intense deadlines and unpredictable events. According to Karasek's job demands–control model, jobs combining high demands with low decision latitude (job control) produce the most strain. High job demands can impair workplace social relations through stress-induced conflict and withdrawal. Autonomy or control over work is theorised to buffer such stress (Demerouti, 2007), potentially protecting interpersonal relationships. Guided by the demands–control and demands–resources frameworks, we tested whether the adverse consequences of job demands are alleviated when there is greater job control, specifically among coworkers, among journalists. A sample of approximately 503 professional journalists completed surveys measuring perceived job demands, decision latitude (control), and quality of interpersonal relationships at work. Interpersonal relationships were assessed via cooperation/support scales. We used hierarchical regression to examine main effects and the interaction of job demands and control on interpersonal outcomes. As predicted, higher job demands were associated with poorer interpersonal relationships. Critically, the interaction between demands and control was significant: job control (Autonomy) buffered the effect of high demands. Simple-slopes analysis showed that under high control, the negative association between demands and relationship quality was substantially weaker than under low control. This pattern aligns with Karasek's model and the JD–C theory, suggesting that Autonomy can protect workplace relationships in stressful conditions. These findings emphasise the importance of job design interventions (i.e., increased Autonomy) in maintaining healthy interpersonal dynamics under pressure.