Stress coping styles and occupational burnout syndrome of nurses employed in intensive care units

Abstract

Abstract Aim. The aim of the study is to evaluate a relationship between demographic and work-related factors and a work stress coping style as well as a relationship between a work stress coping style and symptoms of occupational syndrome. Material and methods. Material was collected from 50 nurses employed in intensive care units of clinical hospitals of the Medical University of Lodz. The study was conducted as a diagnostic survey using the following survey techniques: author’s questionnaire and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Results. The study group demonstrated the highest mean value for the task-oriented coping style and the lowest mean value – for the avoidance-oriented coping style. Age, education level and subjective determination of the degree of work-related stress affect the value of the task-oriented coping style. The emotion-oriented stress style is accompanied by heart palpitations and avoidance of physical activity. The value of the avoidance-oriented coping sub-style, i.e. distraction, depends on atmosphere at workplace, heart palpitations and sleep problems. The value of the avoidance-oriented coping sub style, i.e. social diversion, is contributed by marital status, fertility and work organization. Conclusions. Nurses working in intensive care units prefer the task-oriented coping style. Work stress coping style is related to demographic factors and perception of work environment. An unadaptive style of coping with work-related stress is accompanied by symptoms of somatic occupational burnout syndrome.