ROLE STRAIN FOR THE MALE NURSING STUDENT IN THE OBSTETRICAL AREA.
Contributors: University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Published: 1988
Number of pages: 92
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in the reported existence of role strain for male and female baccalaureate nursing students in the obstetrical area. Identification of conditions that antecede types of role strain can assist nurse educators to reduce role strain. Goode's (1960) theory of role strain and role theory were used as the conceptual framework. Four types of role strain were identified by Goode and labeled role strain overload, conflict, incongruity, and ambiguity.

The null hypothesis was there would be no statistically significant difference in reported role strain as described by the Sherrod Role Strain Scale (SRSS) experienced by male and female baccalaureate nursing students in the obstetrical area. The investigator-developed SRSS was completed by 18 male and 18 female nursing students currently enrolled in a nursing class who had completed their obstetrical nursing experience within the last 12 months. Comparisons of male and female nursing students on the overall scale and each of the four subscales of role strain overload, conflict, incongruity, and ambiguity were performed using the independent t-test at the.05 level of significance. Statistical analysis resulted in the rejection of the null hypothesis by the researcher. There was a statistically significant difference in reported role strain for male and female baccalaureate nursing students on the overall SRSS and the role strain conflict, incongruity, and ambiguity subscales. There was no statistically significant difference on the role strain overload subscale.

Implications for nurse educators and nursing were delineated with specific methods to facilitate a more rewarding educational experience for the male nursing student such as avoiding stereotyping, using anticipatory guidance, and presenting an equitable perspective. Recommendations for further research included replication of the study with exploration of relationships among selected demographic variables, refinement of the Sherrod Role Strain Scale (SRSS), and investigation of methods to reduce role strain for the male nursing student in the obstetrical area. Other recommendations for nursing education and practice included the provision of an environment conducive to learning and reducing role strain for the male nursing student in the obstetrical setting.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 49-07, Section: B, page: 2571.

Thesis (D.S.N.)--UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM, 1988.

School code: 0005.