Occupational stress and social support among nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Occupational Health Psychology

Background:

• Nursing profession entails significant emotional, physical, and intellectual demands.
• Workplace stressors arise from responsibilities, organizational factors, and interpersonal dynamics.
• Social support acts as a buffer against stress, promoting positive emotional outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze stress levels among actively working nurses.
• To assess perceived social support in the nursing profession.
• To examine the relationship between stress and social support in nurses.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 321 nurses was conducted between November 2022 and February 2023.
• The Perceived Stress at Work (PSWP) Questionnaire measured stress levels.
• The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) assessed support.

Main Results:

• Average PSWP score was 18.45 ± 5.89; average MSPSS score was 63.18 ± 14.78.
• Family emerged as the primary source of social support (21.35 ± 5.3).
• A significant negative correlation (r = -0.21; p = 0.002) was found between social support and stress levels.

Conclusions:

• Nurses report moderate stress and high social support, influenced by age and workplace.
• Targeted interventions are crucial for reducing stress and enhancing support systems.
• Further research should explore causal links and inform tailored support programs for healthcare institutions.