Depression and Turnover Intention as Outcome of Work Stress Among SME’s Sales Representatives in Jalingo Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria

Okpamen Osariemen Kelly, Stephen Simon Anshir, Hemba Tersoo Theophilus

Keywords: Depression, Turnover Intention, Work Stress, Sales Representatives, Jalingo

Abstract 

Depression, major depressive disorder, is a medical illness that negatively affects how a person feels, thinks and acts. It is the feeling of sadness and loss of interest in a formerly enjoyed activity. This study examines the role of work stress as predictor of depression and turnover intention among small and medium-scale enterprises (SME’s) Sales Representatives in Jalingo metropolis. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design. Samples of 310 participants were selected through convenient sampling techniques comprising of 165 males and 144 females. Three standardized instruments: the Depression scale (CES-D), Workplace Stress Scale (WSS), and Turnover Intention Scale (TIS) were used for data collection. The result shows that work stress is a negatively significant predictor of depression at work among sales represenatatives in Jalingo metropolis. Also, work stress is a positive predictor of intention to leave. The study concludes that work stress if not minimized, can lead to depression of sales representative and hinder them from performing their duties more effective and efficiently. And high level of work stress can lead to contemplation of turnover intention decision among employees working as frontline sales representatives for small and medium scale enterprises in Jalingo metropolis of Taraba State, Nigeria.

Author Biography

Okpamen Osariemen Kelly

Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria

kellyokpamen@gmail.com

Stephen Simon Anshir

Department of Psychology,

Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

anshirstephen@gmail.com

Hemba Tersoo Theophilus

Department of Psychology,

Benue State University, Makurdi

hembatersoo@gmail.com

FUWJSS