ASSESSING THE PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE TECHNOSTRESS SCALE AMONG FEMALE SOCIAL WORKERS

Authors

  • Cristina Maria TOFAN “Gheorghe Zane” Institute for Economic and Social Research, Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch; ”Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași
  • Daniela Tatiana ȘOITU ”Alexandru Ioan Cuza University” of Iași

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47743/asas-2025-1-811

Keywords:

technostress, equal opportunities, social work, digital competencies, emotional exhaustion, organizational policies

Abstract

In an era of accelerated digitalization, equal opportunities are strongly influenced by access to and adaptability to new technologies. This study analyses the phenomenon of technostress among female social workers, examining and confirming the psychometric value of a specific assessment tool. The research employed a psychometric instrument based on the Technostress Creators Scale (Tarafdar et al., 2007) to evaluate five dimensions of technostress: techno-overload, techno-invasion, techno-complexity, techno-insecurity, and techno-uncertainty. The analysis was conducted on a sample of 200 participants, mostly female social workers in training in undergraduate social work programs, but already active in the social work field. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a valid structure of the instrument, identifying five factors. The results highlight the gender perspective in managing technological stress and the need for organizational policies that support continuous training and digital adaptability. The conclusions emphasize the importance of developing technological and digital competencies to reduce inequalities and promote equitable inclusion in the field of social work.

Author Biographies

Cristina Maria TOFAN, “Gheorghe Zane” Institute for Economic and Social Research, Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch; ”Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași

Researcher PhD, Psychology and Educational Sciences Department, “Gheorghe Zane” Institute for Economic and Social Research, Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch and PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Social Work and Human Resources, Faculty of Philosophy and Social-Political Sciences, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi

Daniela Tatiana ȘOITU , ”Alexandru Ioan Cuza University” of Iași

Professor, PhD, Department of Sociology, Social Work and Human Resources, Faculty of Philosophy and Social-Political Sciences, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Romania; Scientific Coordinator of Virtual Institute for Good Health and Well-being EC2U

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Published

31-07-2025