Stress and coping behavior of nurses in Desert Storm

1. Though 100% of the nurses viewed the experience as positive, findings from other studies reinforce the importance of combat stress related factors on noncombatant personnel in the combat zone. 2. The single most agreed-upon stressor was reported as "lack of leadership response," which included lack of information, direction, and recognition. There was a positive correlation between perceived lack of leadership and the seeking of increased authority behavior in command officers. 3. Factors contributing most to maintaining positive working conditions were described as "developing psychologic coping skills" or "support from friends and socialization." 4. Those nurses who were older and had more education used the most effective coping behaviors.