Role Stress in Nurses: Review of Related Factors and Strategies for Moving Forward

Abstract

Role stress in nurses and its influence on medical services have attracted attention in recent years and have been studied as a major and important issue. Studies conducted using various terminologies such as burnout, job-related stress, job dissatisfaction, and depression all referred to the concept of role stress. In particular, the fact that the caregiving role of medical professionals, including nurses, has been increasing as medical technology develops and life span lengthens has caused their role stress to increase, and the physical and mental pain incurred has adverse effects on the quality of medical treatment services provided. The nature of the working conditions, role limitations, and inappropriate environment often act as violent stressors causing distress in nurses' work. Thus, this paper examines the theoretical aspects of role stress experienced by nurses, delineates personal and situational factors contributing to role stress from a review of previous research, and offers strategies to alleviate role stress.