Dispositional stress coping styles and mental health in NICU nurses

Abstract

The research reported herein is an observational, cross-sectional, correlational self-report questionnaire study of the relationships between stress coping styles (Brief COPE) and mental health (Mental Health Inventory) in NICU nurses. The multivariate analyses show positive reframing and self-blame coping styles have notable respective adaptive and maladaptive relationships with psychological distress, hopelessness, and emotional well-being. The findings suggest NICU nurses’ mental health may be strengthened by (i) enhancing their positive reframing coping skills, (ii) ensuring they understand the differences between characterological and behavioural self-blame, and (iii) helping them accommodate morally warranted feelings of shame and guilt.