Social Support, Research Interest, Stress, and Research Productivity of Textiles and Apparel Faculty

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between work stress and research productivity among faculty members in the field of textiles and apparel. Work stress and research productivity were studied in relation to four antecedent variables: collegial or institutional support, chair's support, professional organization support, and research interest. In addition, rank, institution type, position description, expertise, and degrees offered were examined in relation to the variables. Data from 173 members of the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) classified as assistant professors ( n = 63), associate professors ( n = 63), and professors ( n = 47) were analyzed. Results show research interests to be the only significant factor to influence research productivity. No variables in this study significantly influenced work stress. Respondents with higher research productivity were from 4-year, land-grant institutions with graduate programs and had a lower teaching load. Further investigation in examining research productivity of faculty members is recommended.