SOURCES OF STRESS AMONG OLDER RURAL WOMEN IN NORTH DAKOTA.
Contributors: Catholic University of America.
Published: 1986
Number of pages: 159
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Gerontology.
Description: The purpose of this study was to describe the stressors of older rural women of selected counties in North Dakota. The study was descriptive and exploratory in nature. The Stress Appraisal Theory (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) was used as the theoretical basis for the data collection and analysis. Content Analysis was the methodology used to categorize, classify, and conceptualize the data.

Data for the study were obtained from various locations in three North Dakota counties. Thirty women participated in the study, ten from each of the selected counties. The women met the following criteria: (a) Age ranges were between 55 and 75 years; (b) Subjects lived in a rural area, i.e., on a farm or in a town of less than 1,800 population; and (c) Each interviewee agreed to participate in the study.

The investigator designed a focused interveiw guide based on the a priori categories of stressors found in the literature. The categories were: Physical and Social Environment, Economy, Life Stage, and Relationships. Content validity was established by a panel of three experts in rural life.

Seven major stressors were identified by older rural women in the present study: Extremes in Weather, Farm Life, Independence, Health, Retirement, Nuturing Role, and Widowhood. The sources of stress fit into one of two general areas, Rural Stressors or Universal Stressors. The Universal Stressors were: Health, Retirement, Widowhood, and Loss of Nurturing Role. The Rural Stressors were specific to the geographic setting of the study and were: Farm Life, Independence, and Extremes of Weather.

Implications for Nursing. Understanding the stressors of older women is an important aspect of health care planning in rural America. Research has shown that there is a relationship between stress and health. The present study can serve as a basis for more specific understanding of those stressors as well as factors which may influence the utilization of health services.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 47-04, Section: B, page: 1486.

Thesis (D.N.SC.)--THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA, 1986.

School code: 0043.