Work Matters

Workers Who Chew Gum Report Less Stress

Written by

supermoxie

in

,

I was disappointed by this study as I have a pet peeve about chewing gum. Everyone else in my family chews it now and then but I have always found it a bit gross.  And my dislike for it was amplified when my young kids would get in the carpet and other tough places to remove.  They were all delighted to hear about this study and my 13 year-old suggested that if I chewed gum I wouldn't be so uptight about other people doing it. As with many great research summaries, this one comes from the BPS Research Digest Blog. Here is a key paragraph from BPS:

Andrew Smith
at Cardiff University surveyed over 2,000 workers and found that the 39
per cent of respondents who reported never chewing gum were twice as
likely to say they were extremely stressed at work, compared with gum
chewers, and one and a half times as likely to say they were very or
extremely stressed with life in general.

So, does this mean that bosses who are leading tense teams ought to pass out the Wrigley's or — worse yet — bubble gum?  I hope not, but there seems to be a hint here that this is an evidence technique.

P.S. The reference is: Smith, A. (2009). Chewing gum, stress and health Stress and Health, 25 (5), 445-451.

Comments

56 responses to “Workers Who Chew Gum Report Less Stress”

  1. Aaron Windeler Avatar
    Aaron Windeler

    Maybe it’s just that the gum chewers seemed less stressed in comparison to those who don’t chew gum (who were stressed out by the smacking sound made by the gum chewers)

    Reply
  2. Aaron Windeler Avatar
    Aaron Windeler

    Maybe it’s just that the gum chewers seemed less stressed in comparison to those who don’t chew gum (who were stressed out by the smacking sound made by the gum chewers)

    Reply
  3. Aaron Windeler Avatar
    Aaron Windeler

    Maybe it’s just that the gum chewers seemed less stressed in comparison to those who don’t chew gum (who were stressed out by the smacking sound made by the gum chewers)

    Reply
  4. Aaron Windeler Avatar
    Aaron Windeler

    Maybe it’s just that the gum chewers seemed less stressed in comparison to those who don’t chew gum (who were stressed out by the smacking sound made by the gum chewers)

    Reply
  5. Aaron Windeler Avatar
    Aaron Windeler

    Maybe it’s just that the gum chewers seemed less stressed in comparison to those who don’t chew gum (who were stressed out by the smacking sound made by the gum chewers)

    Reply
  6. Aaron Windeler Avatar
    Aaron Windeler

    Maybe it’s just that the gum chewers seemed less stressed in comparison to those who don’t chew gum (who were stressed out by the smacking sound made by the gum chewers)

    Reply
  7. Aaron Windeler Avatar
    Aaron Windeler

    Maybe it’s just that the gum chewers seemed less stressed in comparison to those who don’t chew gum (who were stressed out by the smacking sound made by the gum chewers)

    Reply
  8. Aaron Windeler Avatar
    Aaron Windeler

    Maybe it’s just that the gum chewers seemed less stressed in comparison to those who don’t chew gum (who were stressed out by the smacking sound made by the gum chewers)

    Reply
  9. Britty Avatar
    Britty

    I’m with you, Mr. Sutton. Gum-chewing is a disgusting habit. But if 39 percent of non-gum chewers report being extremely stressed, then a majority of the others are feeling…. okay, perhaps? I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that chewing gum reduces stress enough to make being on a tense team tolerable.

    Reply
  10. Britty Avatar
    Britty

    I’m with you, Mr. Sutton. Gum-chewing is a disgusting habit. But if 39 percent of non-gum chewers report being extremely stressed, then a majority of the others are feeling…. okay, perhaps? I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that chewing gum reduces stress enough to make being on a tense team tolerable.

    Reply
  11. Britty Avatar
    Britty

    I’m with you, Mr. Sutton. Gum-chewing is a disgusting habit. But if 39 percent of non-gum chewers report being extremely stressed, then a majority of the others are feeling…. okay, perhaps? I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that chewing gum reduces stress enough to make being on a tense team tolerable.

    Reply
  12. Britty Avatar
    Britty

    I’m with you, Mr. Sutton. Gum-chewing is a disgusting habit. But if 39 percent of non-gum chewers report being extremely stressed, then a majority of the others are feeling…. okay, perhaps? I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that chewing gum reduces stress enough to make being on a tense team tolerable.

    Reply
  13. Britty Avatar
    Britty

    I’m with you, Mr. Sutton. Gum-chewing is a disgusting habit. But if 39 percent of non-gum chewers report being extremely stressed, then a majority of the others are feeling…. okay, perhaps? I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that chewing gum reduces stress enough to make being on a tense team tolerable.

    Reply
  14. Britty Avatar
    Britty

    I’m with you, Mr. Sutton. Gum-chewing is a disgusting habit. But if 39 percent of non-gum chewers report being extremely stressed, then a majority of the others are feeling…. okay, perhaps? I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that chewing gum reduces stress enough to make being on a tense team tolerable.

    Reply
  15. Britty Avatar
    Britty

    I’m with you, Mr. Sutton. Gum-chewing is a disgusting habit. But if 39 percent of non-gum chewers report being extremely stressed, then a majority of the others are feeling…. okay, perhaps? I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that chewing gum reduces stress enough to make being on a tense team tolerable.

    Reply
  16. Britty Avatar
    Britty

    I’m with you, Mr. Sutton. Gum-chewing is a disgusting habit. But if 39 percent of non-gum chewers report being extremely stressed, then a majority of the others are feeling…. okay, perhaps? I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that chewing gum reduces stress enough to make being on a tense team tolerable.

    Reply
  17. DJ Avatar
    DJ

    Former smoker, current gum chewer. I do not smack or pop my gum, and yes, it does relieve stress for those of us who tend to feed our emotions.

    Reply
  18. DJ Avatar
    DJ

    Former smoker, current gum chewer. I do not smack or pop my gum, and yes, it does relieve stress for those of us who tend to feed our emotions.

    Reply
  19. DJ Avatar
    DJ

    Former smoker, current gum chewer. I do not smack or pop my gum, and yes, it does relieve stress for those of us who tend to feed our emotions.

    Reply
  20. DJ Avatar
    DJ

    Former smoker, current gum chewer. I do not smack or pop my gum, and yes, it does relieve stress for those of us who tend to feed our emotions.

    Reply
  21. DJ Avatar
    DJ

    Former smoker, current gum chewer. I do not smack or pop my gum, and yes, it does relieve stress for those of us who tend to feed our emotions.

    Reply
  22. DJ Avatar
    DJ

    Former smoker, current gum chewer. I do not smack or pop my gum, and yes, it does relieve stress for those of us who tend to feed our emotions.

    Reply
  23. DJ Avatar
    DJ

    Former smoker, current gum chewer. I do not smack or pop my gum, and yes, it does relieve stress for those of us who tend to feed our emotions.

    Reply
  24. DJ Avatar
    DJ

    Former smoker, current gum chewer. I do not smack or pop my gum, and yes, it does relieve stress for those of us who tend to feed our emotions.

    Reply
  25. Dwayne Phillips Avatar
    Dwayne Phillips

    No wonder they outlaw chewing gum in schools – it (like all the other things they prohibit in schools) works.

    Reply
  26. Dwayne Phillips Avatar
    Dwayne Phillips

    No wonder they outlaw chewing gum in schools – it (like all the other things they prohibit in schools) works.

    Reply
  27. Dwayne Phillips Avatar
    Dwayne Phillips

    No wonder they outlaw chewing gum in schools – it (like all the other things they prohibit in schools) works.

    Reply
  28. Dwayne Phillips Avatar
    Dwayne Phillips

    No wonder they outlaw chewing gum in schools – it (like all the other things they prohibit in schools) works.

    Reply
  29. Dwayne Phillips Avatar
    Dwayne Phillips

    No wonder they outlaw chewing gum in schools – it (like all the other things they prohibit in schools) works.

    Reply
  30. Dwayne Phillips Avatar
    Dwayne Phillips

    No wonder they outlaw chewing gum in schools – it (like all the other things they prohibit in schools) works.

    Reply
  31. Dwayne Phillips Avatar
    Dwayne Phillips

    No wonder they outlaw chewing gum in schools – it (like all the other things they prohibit in schools) works.

    Reply
  32. Dwayne Phillips Avatar
    Dwayne Phillips

    No wonder they outlaw chewing gum in schools – it (like all the other things they prohibit in schools) works.

    Reply
  33. Serhiy Yevtushenko Avatar
    Serhiy Yevtushenko

    I have read that chinese conditioneer manufacturer Haier has prohibited usage of chewing gum on the assembly line, which has lead in turn to productivity improvement. So, one of the reasons could be less stress due to doing less work.

    Reply
  34. Serhiy Yevtushenko Avatar
    Serhiy Yevtushenko

    I have read that chinese conditioneer manufacturer Haier has prohibited usage of chewing gum on the assembly line, which has lead in turn to productivity improvement. So, one of the reasons could be less stress due to doing less work.

    Reply
  35. Serhiy Yevtushenko Avatar
    Serhiy Yevtushenko

    I have read that chinese conditioneer manufacturer Haier has prohibited usage of chewing gum on the assembly line, which has lead in turn to productivity improvement. So, one of the reasons could be less stress due to doing less work.

    Reply
  36. Serhiy Yevtushenko Avatar
    Serhiy Yevtushenko

    I have read that chinese conditioneer manufacturer Haier has prohibited usage of chewing gum on the assembly line, which has lead in turn to productivity improvement. So, one of the reasons could be less stress due to doing less work.

    Reply
  37. Serhiy Yevtushenko Avatar
    Serhiy Yevtushenko

    I have read that chinese conditioneer manufacturer Haier has prohibited usage of chewing gum on the assembly line, which has lead in turn to productivity improvement. So, one of the reasons could be less stress due to doing less work.

    Reply
  38. Serhiy Yevtushenko Avatar
    Serhiy Yevtushenko

    I have read that chinese conditioneer manufacturer Haier has prohibited usage of chewing gum on the assembly line, which has lead in turn to productivity improvement. So, one of the reasons could be less stress due to doing less work.

    Reply
  39. Serhiy Yevtushenko Avatar
    Serhiy Yevtushenko

    I have read that chinese conditioneer manufacturer Haier has prohibited usage of chewing gum on the assembly line, which has lead in turn to productivity improvement. So, one of the reasons could be less stress due to doing less work.

    Reply
  40. Serhiy Yevtushenko Avatar
    Serhiy Yevtushenko

    I have read that chinese conditioneer manufacturer Haier has prohibited usage of chewing gum on the assembly line, which has lead in turn to productivity improvement. So, one of the reasons could be less stress due to doing less work.

    Reply
  41. Kurt Avatar
    Kurt

    Chewing gum probably really does relieve stress, but it is not at all professional. I think that if you are in a professional environment, (i.e. finance) dealing with clients all day, it is absurd to think that it is OK to chew gum. Even if you are discrete, it is a bad idea. Pick another mind soothing idea, like putting a bonsai plant on your desk or taking yoga.

    Reply
  42. Kurt Avatar
    Kurt

    Chewing gum probably really does relieve stress, but it is not at all professional. I think that if you are in a professional environment, (i.e. finance) dealing with clients all day, it is absurd to think that it is OK to chew gum. Even if you are discrete, it is a bad idea. Pick another mind soothing idea, like putting a bonsai plant on your desk or taking yoga.

    Reply
  43. Kurt Avatar
    Kurt

    Chewing gum probably really does relieve stress, but it is not at all professional. I think that if you are in a professional environment, (i.e. finance) dealing with clients all day, it is absurd to think that it is OK to chew gum. Even if you are discrete, it is a bad idea. Pick another mind soothing idea, like putting a bonsai plant on your desk or taking yoga.

    Reply
  44. Kurt Avatar
    Kurt

    Chewing gum probably really does relieve stress, but it is not at all professional. I think that if you are in a professional environment, (i.e. finance) dealing with clients all day, it is absurd to think that it is OK to chew gum. Even if you are discrete, it is a bad idea. Pick another mind soothing idea, like putting a bonsai plant on your desk or taking yoga.

    Reply
  45. Kurt Avatar
    Kurt

    Chewing gum probably really does relieve stress, but it is not at all professional. I think that if you are in a professional environment, (i.e. finance) dealing with clients all day, it is absurd to think that it is OK to chew gum. Even if you are discrete, it is a bad idea. Pick another mind soothing idea, like putting a bonsai plant on your desk or taking yoga.

    Reply
  46. Kurt Avatar
    Kurt

    Chewing gum probably really does relieve stress, but it is not at all professional. I think that if you are in a professional environment, (i.e. finance) dealing with clients all day, it is absurd to think that it is OK to chew gum. Even if you are discrete, it is a bad idea. Pick another mind soothing idea, like putting a bonsai plant on your desk or taking yoga.

    Reply
  47. Kurt Avatar
    Kurt

    Chewing gum probably really does relieve stress, but it is not at all professional. I think that if you are in a professional environment, (i.e. finance) dealing with clients all day, it is absurd to think that it is OK to chew gum. Even if you are discrete, it is a bad idea. Pick another mind soothing idea, like putting a bonsai plant on your desk or taking yoga.

    Reply
  48. Kurt Avatar
    Kurt

    Chewing gum probably really does relieve stress, but it is not at all professional. I think that if you are in a professional environment, (i.e. finance) dealing with clients all day, it is absurd to think that it is OK to chew gum. Even if you are discrete, it is a bad idea. Pick another mind soothing idea, like putting a bonsai plant on your desk or taking yoga.

    Reply
  49. Steve Harold Avatar
    Steve Harold

    I was wondering whether this is a short term set of findings. The gum chewers may end up with jaw issues later in life which will lead to a different form of stress.

    Reply
  50. Steve Harold Avatar
    Steve Harold

    I was wondering whether this is a short term set of findings. The gum chewers may end up with jaw issues later in life which will lead to a different form of stress.

    Reply
  51. Steve Harold Avatar
    Steve Harold

    I was wondering whether this is a short term set of findings. The gum chewers may end up with jaw issues later in life which will lead to a different form of stress.

    Reply
  52. Steve Harold Avatar
    Steve Harold

    I was wondering whether this is a short term set of findings. The gum chewers may end up with jaw issues later in life which will lead to a different form of stress.

    Reply
  53. Steve Harold Avatar
    Steve Harold

    I was wondering whether this is a short term set of findings. The gum chewers may end up with jaw issues later in life which will lead to a different form of stress.

    Reply
  54. Steve Harold Avatar
    Steve Harold

    I was wondering whether this is a short term set of findings. The gum chewers may end up with jaw issues later in life which will lead to a different form of stress.

    Reply
  55. Steve Harold Avatar
    Steve Harold

    I was wondering whether this is a short term set of findings. The gum chewers may end up with jaw issues later in life which will lead to a different form of stress.

    Reply
  56. Steve Harold Avatar
    Steve Harold

    I was wondering whether this is a short term set of findings. The gum chewers may end up with jaw issues later in life which will lead to a different form of stress.

    Reply

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