Coping Strategies Influencing Role Conflicts among Clinical Nurses

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study was conducted to describe the level of role conflicts and coping strategies as well as the types of coping strategies influencing role conflicts among clinical nurses.
Method/Statistical Analysis: In this descriptive study, we enrolled 98 nurses in two hospitals in Korea. Role conflicts and coping strategies were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression.
Findings: The overall mean score reflecting role conflicts was 3.41 ± 0.51. The mean scores for four subcategories of role conflicts (lack of ability, role ambiguity, disturbance of environment, and lack of help) were 3.32 ± 0.61, 3.36 ± 0.55, 3.59 ± 0.65, and 3.41 ± 0.77, respectively. The overall mean score for coping strategies was 3.02 ± 0.38. Among subcategories of coping strategies, the highest mean score was for tension reduction (3.29 ± 0.64), and the lowest mean score was for problem-focused coping (2.73 ± 0.53). Among subcategories of coping strategies, lack of ability was significantly correlated with wishful thinking (r=.219, p<.05), detachment (r=.224, p<.05), and seeking social support (r=.263, p<.01). Role ambiguity was significantly correlated with wishful thinking (r=.236, p<.05), seeking social support (r=.305, p<.01), and tension reduction (r=.294, p<.01). Both disturbance of environment and lack of help were significantly correlated with wishful thinking (r=.306, p<.01; r=.365, p<.01), seeking social support (r=.328, p<.01;r=.316, p<.01), and tension reduction (r=.275, p<.01; r=.247, p<.05). Multiple linear regression showed that role conflicts among nurses were coping strategies for seeking social support (t=2.726, p=.008).
Improvements/Applications: Nurses have been influenced by the help of people around them in reducing role conflicts. Therefore, it is necessary to build support infrastructure inside and outside the hospital.