Navigating Stress in the Workplace : A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Resources and Employee Well-Being among Employees with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

This dissertation investigates the challenges faced by adults with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism and attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in the workplace. While there is increasing recognition of their specific needs, the role of stress, coping strategies, and workplace accommodations in improving work outcomes for individuals with NDDs remains underexplored. The primary objectives of this thesis are to explore the coping strategies used by adults with ADHD and autism at work, investigate the relationship between these strategies, stress, and burnout, and contribute to the development of inclusive workplace practices.

To achieve these goals, this dissertation employs a variety of methodological approaches. Study 1 uses qualitative methods, specifically thematic analysis of in-depth interviews, to explore coping strategies employed by autistic adults at work. Study 2 applies a quantitative design with two measurement points to investigate the relationship between coping strategies and stress/ burnout in autistic employees. Study 3 combines diary methodology and cross-sectional quantitative data to analyze daily stressors, coping behaviors, and burnout risk among working students with and without ADHD.

The findings reveal that employees with NDDs engage in both problem-oriented and emotion-focused coping strategies, influenced by workplace characteristics such as autonomy and support. Participants reported stress-related challenges but also exhibited problem-oriented coping mechanisms, particularly in environments with flexible structures.  However, emotion-focused strategies also emerged, contributing to higher stress and burnout risk. Additionally, employees with ADHD and autistic employees were found to be highly vulnerable to stress, leading to increased risk of burnout and reduced quality of life.

This dissertation emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of the coping strategies used by employees with ADHD and autistic employees and their impact on stress management and workplace outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of tailored interventions and workplace accommodations that promote inclusivity and well-being. Bridging clinical psychology and industrial-organizational psychology, this research contributes to understanding the intersection of personal resources, stress, and work outcomes for individuals with NDDs.