This research was undertaken in a maternity unit in spring 2000. Team midwifery had been fully implemented, and midwifery-led care was expanding. The sickness levels attributed to stress had risen sharply in the unit since implementation of the changes in working practices resulting from the Cumberlege recommendations. The staff believed that ‘change’ had led to stress, and thus to sickness. The aim of the study was to identify the contribution that change and other external and internal factors have had on the stress levels of the midwives working within the unit. Questionnaires were issued to assess life changes and stress levels. The results indicate that the perception of stress is far greater than the reality. Only 6% of midwives scored high on their stress analysis questionnaire. Stress perception was increased by having children at home, working part-time and working in a team. Recurring life events were also present in the stressed group. Occupational stress can often be linked to the personality of the individual. Home related stress often resulted as a consequence of trying to juggle work and home commitments. Interpersonal coping mechanisms and individual personality had the greatest affect on perception of, and ability to cope with potentially stressful situations. The amount of change needed to produce a stress response will vary from person to person and is related to their personality rather than the amount of change per se. The appropriateness of organisational initiatives such as worker support schemes, stress counsellors, and stress awareness schemes are questioned. These measures have not been beneficial to this group. Greater input into personality awareness and self awareness, linked to coping strategies may provide a more constructive approach.
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