Stress and Stress Management of Thai and Cambodian Food and Health Products Merchants in Ban Klongluek Border Market at Aranyaprathet district, Sakaeo Province, Thailand

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze and compare stressors, stress and stress management of the merchants in Ban Klongluek border market. The sample size for interviewing with the questionnaires was 132 subjects selected with a stratified sampling technique. The results revealed that 1) Internal stressors came from health behavior and emotional characteristics, 2) External stressors were caused by family relationship and other sources and 3) Stress management techniques used were problem-focused coping, emotional-focused coping, positive reappraisal and negative reappraisal. The majority of merchants (60.60%) were moderately stressed. Older people had more stress than the younger and couples had more stress than single people. Problem-focused coping was more used by Thai couples. Cambodian singles used more positive reappraisal than couples and separated people. The single and separated Thais used more negative reappraisal than couples. Health behavior of Thai merchants had the influence on problem-focused coping and family relationship had the influence on problem-focused coping. Family relationship of Cambodian merchants had significant variance in negative reappraisal. In order that people have less stress, local health officers should give advice to the stressed people by encouraging good health behaviors, good relationship in the family and suggesting problem-focused coping and positive reappraisal techniques.