A Qualitative Study on Job Stress Among Insurance Planners: A Grounded Theory Approach

This study aimed to qualitatively explore the types of stress experienced by insurance planners during their work, their coping methods, and their psychological responses. To this end, in-depth interviews were conducted with seven insurance planners who had worked for more than 10 years at two corporate insurance agencies (GAs) located in metropolitan cities, and the data were analyzed using the grounded theory approach of Strauss and Corbin (1990). As a result, the main stress factors were pressure for job performance, emotional labor in customer service, and psychological distress due to social prejudice, while excessive work and contract failure led to intention to change jobs. On the other hand, customer expressions of gratitude and high performance pay were positive factors that increased job satisfaction. The core category was derived as ‘living under pressure as an unrecognized expert’, and the need for practical support and intervention was suggested.