These variables were deemed to be indices of strain, the negative outcome of stress. Stress was indexed by a self-report measure of job difficulty. It was hypothesized that stress and strain would be lower with greater tenure on the job. This hypothesis did not receive substantial support, except among police supervisors. However, it was found that among patrol officers who were above the median in tenure, those who reported greater job difficulty experienced more strain than those reporting less job difficulty. This relationship between job difficulty and strain did not obtain among officers below the median in tenure. Several explanations are suggested for this unexpected finding. Acknowledgement, references, table. (Author abstract)