An ergonomic approach to stress

International Journal of Nursing Studies
L Hawkins

Abstract

The relationships between psychology and ergonomics centre around the concept of stress. This paper outlines the concept that stress is a mismatch between the demands made on an individual and his ability to cope. The nature and theories of stress are reviewed and sources of stress in the nursing profession are analysed. Coping is recognized as a way of reducing the actual or perceived stresses. However, a common method of coping is to disguise the symptoms by taking therapeutic drugs, tobacco or alcohol. It is argued that these methods are a maladaptation since in themselves they can cause illness and death. Evidence of smoking habits in relation to perceived stress in the nursing profession is given. It is concluded that a direct action approach to reduce workplace (organizational) stressors can be achieved by an ergonomic approach to the problem, and that this, if successful, will obviate the need to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Suggestions are put forward as to how some of the major recognised sources of stress in the nursing profession can be analysed and removed by applying ergonomic methods. Shift working is seen by many nurses as a particular stressor. The relationships between lighting quality and circadian r...Continue Reading

References

Jan 1, 1976·Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics·M Cox, C Cox
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Jan 28, 1950·British Medical Journal·H SELYE
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Citations

Feb 13, 2003·The American Journal of Nursing·Audrey NelsonNancy Menzel
Apr 1, 1992·Journal of Advanced Nursing·R Whittington, T Wykes
Aug 1, 1992·Applied Ergonomics·S Pheasant, D Stubbs
Jan 1, 1987·International Journal of Nursing Studies·S J Legg
Nov 27, 1998·Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·M Peterson, T Dunnagan
May 8, 1995·Quality in Health Care : QHC·J S Walker, M Wilson
Sep 1, 1996·Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·M Peterson, J Wilson

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