Title: Exploring the relationship between job stress, job satisfaction, job pursuit and recommendation intentions of interns in business

Authors: Frederick L. Lawrence; Sean P. Goffnett

Addresses: Department of Marketing, Hospitality, and Logistics, Central Michigan University, 1200 South Franklin Street, Smith Hall RM100, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859, USA ' Department of Marketing, Hospitality, and Logistics, Central Michigan University, 1200 South Franklin Street, Smith Hall RM100, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859, USA

Abstract: A path model of job stress to job pursuit and positive word of mouth intentions was investigated to explain the impact of job stress on college interns prior to joining the workforce. Mediational pathways were tested using a sample of 272 college interns at the conclusion of 12-week summer business internships. The results indicated that job stress was significantly related to positive word of mouth, but not to job pursuit intentions. Mediation analyses revealed significant indirect effects of job stress on both outcomes through job satisfaction, although the magnitude of the effect was stronger for positive word of mouth. Findings suggest job stress among interns may have a more immediate impact on how interns communicate about their experiences than on their intentions to pursue future employment. Organisations may benefit from addressing intern job stress as part of efforts to improve recruitment, protect employer brand and cultivate a positive reputation.

Keywords: internship; experiential learning; work-integrated learning; newcomer; job stress; positive word of mouth; WOM; job satisfaction; job pursuit intentions; theory of planned behaviour; apply; recruiting.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWE.2025.152706

International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment, 2025 Vol.9 No.4, pp.335 - 360

Received: 08 Aug 2025
Accepted: 08 Sep 2025
Published online: 07 Apr 2026 *

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