Coping Strategies as Moderating Variables in the Relationship Between Intergroup Anxiety and Occupational Stress Among Workers in the Socioeducational System

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the moderating role of coping strategies in the relationship between intergroup anxiety and occupational stress among youth detention officers, aiming to understand the factors that impact their well-being in socially vulnerable contexts. Theoretical Framework: This research is based on the transactional model of stress (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) and the theory of intergroup anxiety (Stephan & Stephan, 1985), considering that individual and situational variables influence the perception and coping with occupational stress in contexts of forced intergroup interaction. Method: This is a quantitative study involving 175 youth detention officers from the Federal District. Validated instruments were used to measure occupational stress, intergroup anxiety, and coping strategies. Data collection was conducted online and statistical analysis was performed using R software. Results and Discussion: A positive correlation between intergroup anxiety and occupational stress was identified. However, the coping strategies evaluated did not moderate this relationship. The discussion highlights that the specificity of the variables may have limited the detection of interaction effects. Research Implications: The findings provide insights for institutional interventions aimed at reducing intergroup anxiety and promoting the occupational health of professionals in the socioeducational system. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by empirically testing the hypothesis of coping moderation in a scarcely explored context, emphasizing the psychosocial challenges faced by youth detention officers.