Neuroticism as leading component of perceived stress and dysfunctional coping mechanism among nurses.

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine how personality trait affect coping strategies among critical care units nursing staff in critical care units and how they predict perceived stress using a five-factor model of personality traits.

Background:

Physical risks affect not only those who have been injured, but also those who have witnessed these events and who act as intervention in these circumstances, such as nursing staff. After an incident, nursing staffs are in charge of providing medical care, and life preservation. Nursing staff and other rescue personnel are frequently exposed to potentially traumatic circumstances (also referred to as "critical incidents"), such as armed confrontations, car accidents, and violent deaths. Rescue workers are at risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder because of this constant exposure (PTSD). Personality traits, for example, play a role in how stress is perceived and how people cope. Positive relationships exist between extraversion and conscientiousness and coping mechanisms, which are linked to psychological stress (Carver and J. Connor-smith, 2010). One's coping mechanisms are essential in such situations for managing stress.

Hypothesis: (1) Neuroticism would predict psychological stress among nursing staff 2) Neuroticism will lead to dysfunctional coping strategies,

Sample:

100 nursing staff participated in this study through purposive and snow ball sampling with age rage range from 20-45 their mean age was (Mean= 3.01, SD=6.02) and their minimum qualification was graduation. The gathered data was collected from tertiary care hospitals. Mentioned variables were measured through these scales. (1)  BFI-big five personality inventory (John, O. P., & Srivastava, S. 1999) (2) Brief Cope Scale (Carver C.S. 1997) (3) Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen S, Janicki- Deverts D, Miller GE. 2007).

Methodology:

Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to approach participants. They were contacted by means of the departments and organizations in question. They were informed that participation in the study was completely voluntary and that they had the right to discontinue at any time. Participants were also given the assurance that the information gathered for this study would only be used for research purposes and would be kept in strict confidence.

Result and Analysis: Demographic characteristics of the data were examined using descriptive statistics. In order to determine how personality traits and coping mechanisms would affect perceived stress, regression analysis was used. Results indicates that Neuroticism has influencing role in perception of stress and then adaptation of coping strategies in response to stress among rescue providers. Finding of this study are consistent with literature- that reflects that nursing staff rate high on trait of neuroticism tends to adopt coping strategies which are maladaptive and leads to neurotic symptoms.

Personality traits, coping strategies, psychological stress, nursing staff.