Investigating Nurses Stress Response Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Stress response strategies are a conscious effort to solve personal and interpersonal problems, aiming to minimize stress. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the stress response strategies of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The sample consisted of 550 Greek nurses working in Greece and other European countries (460 women and 90 men). Ways of Coping was used as the data collection tool. Participants were invited to complete the questionnaire via online GOOGLE FORMS. The statistical processing was carried out using a descriptive and inferential analysis via the statistical package for Social Science (SPSS v.21). Results: Analysis of the results shows a statistically significant difference between the two genders in the questionnaire’s subscales “Search for social support” (Women=1.88, Men=1.57, p<0.001) and “Wishful Thinking” (Women=1.76, Men=1.51, p <0. Also, there was a statistically significant difference in terms of country of work regarding the following subscales: ‘Search for social support’ (Greece=1.85, Outside Greece=1.67, p=0.019), ‘Wishful Thinking’ (Greece=1.74, Outside Greece=1.51, p=0.005) and ‘Problem Solving Assertion’ (Greece=1.39, Outside Greece=1.13, p=0.001). Conclusion: Stress response strategies for nurses are fundamental in addressing the difficult situations and conditions they face due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Factors Affecting Perceived Work Environment, Wellbeing, and Coping Styles: A Comparison between Physicians and Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In fact, female nurses relied more frequently on social support, especially when coming from close friends. Such support is important to modulate emotions, thus helping people in the positive management of stressful situations [ 60 ]. Physicians without children were more likely to use avoidant coping strategies, in contrast with another study in which being a parent was associated with the use of problem-focused coping [ 61 ].…”

Sleep disorders, stress coping strategies and neurobehavioral aspects: an outlook on the impact of covid‑19 in first‑year resident physicians

“…Conversely, the attitude of avoidance can be positively adopted as a self-protective mechanism ( 49 ), which has been demonstrated to be helpful at the beginning of stressful circumstances ( 50 ); in the long run, the consequences of this self-defensive style may become detrimental, leading to depressive symptoms and burnout ( 51 ). To be remarked, female residents relied more often on social support, which is essential in buffering emotions, with positive results in managing stressful situations ( 14 , 52 ).…”

“…Instead, MEQ (19 items) concerns habitual bed and waking hours, time intervals predilections in performing physical and mental activities. According to scores, subjects are divided into five groups: Absolutely morning type (70-86), moderately morning type (59-69), intermediate type (42)(43)(44)(45)(46)(47)(48)(49)(50)(51)(52)(53)(54)(55)(56)(57)(58), moderately evening type (31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41) and absolutely evening type (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30).…”

Stress and Coping in Nurses Taking Care of People Living with HIV in Hunan, China: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

“… 20 Avoidance strategy, social support, faith-based practices, and wishful thinking were the reported coping strategies applied by nurses during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 21 , 22 According to a study conducted in USA, the coping strategies employed by nurses working in AIDS care include balancing personal and professional life, releasing pain, respecting yet controlling feelings, managing demands, and seeking help. 23 …”