Performing under pressure-stress as fuel or break to high-performance and health

Crisis management, a high-performance domain, frequently exposes multi-professional team leaders to acute and chronic stress, potentially leading to adverse health consequences. However, the concept of eustress suggests that not all stress is detrimental, as it can enhance motivation, vigilance, and overall well-being when perceived as manageable. This study examines the construct validity of the Valencia Eustress-Distress Appraisal Scale (VEDAS) with high-stakes team leaders in frontline organizations across Europe (n= 237). In addition, by administering the Short General Health Questionnaire and the Short Burnout Assessment Tool, we investigate the predictive validity of the VEDAS in capturing team leaders' general health and experiences of burnout. Finally, we investigate discriminant validity by administering the Stress Mindset Measure (SMM) questionnaire, measuring individuals' self-perceptions of their underlying stress mindset. Confirmatory factor analysis upheld a four-dimensional structure embracing one predominant dimension (relationships) and three secondary dimensions (personal accountability, work-life balance, and workload) for both eustress and distress scales. Currently, we are analyzing the predictive and discriminant validity of the VEDAS. The preliminary findings suggest that the VEDAS is a valid instrument for measuring stress and distress appraisal in high-stakes team leaders. The study addresses a significant gap in stress research, as previous studies often only focused on distressing work strain. Hence, the findings are essential in further research to understand stress appraisal in high-stakes environments. Moreover, the results provide nuanced insights enabling organizations to promote eustress and mitigate distress, fostering optimal working conditions for sustainable careers and optimal performance among high-stakes team leaders.