THE IMPACT OF WORK ROLE RELATIONSHIPS ON NURSING ASSISTANTS' JOB STRESS AND WELL-BEING (NURSING HOMES).
Contributors: University of Akron.
Published: 1995
Number of pages: 179
Subjects: Psychology, Industrial.; Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: This study examines the impact of interpersonal relationships at work on nursing assistants' occupational stress and well-being. A stress process framework applied to a work setting guides the study. Two main issues are addressed within the stress process framework. First, emphasis is placed on identifying the social structural conditions that shape work role relationships and influence occupational stress and well-being. Second, interpersonal relationships are examined as potential stressors and resources.

The sample consists of 255 nursing assistants employed in fourteen nursing homes in Summit County, Ohio. Participating nursing assistants completed a three part questionnaire. The first part contained questions about their interpersonal relations with their supervisors, the residents, and the residents' visitors. The second part contained scales measuring the nursing assistants' job stress, job satisfaction, depression, and a single item indicator of life satisfaction. The last part of the questionnaire included questions about the nursing assistants' demographic, employment, and personal characteristics. Organizational data were obtained from the nursing assistants' administrators and nursing directors. Each was asked to complete a questionnaire about the nursing home structure, operations, staff, and residents.

Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the impact of organizational structures and difficult and supportive work role relations on nursing assistants' job stress. Difficult interpersonal relations with residents contributed to job stress, and supportive interpersonal relations with supervisors and visitors reduced job stress. Only one organizational structure variable significantly predicted job stress. The nursing director's membership in at least one professional organization was a predictor of less job stress among the nursing assistants.

Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the impact of organizational structures, interpersonal relations, and job stress on occupational and general well-being. Occupational stress and difficult supervisor relations were found to significantly reduce job satisfaction. Occupational stress alone was found to increase depression. Occupational stress was found to significantly reduce life satisfaction while satisfaction with one's religious life significantly increased life satisfaction. The findings of this research study provide insights for improving or enhancing the development of positive work role relations and thereby reducing nursing assistants' job stress and promoting their well-being.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-12, Section: B, page: 7073.

Thesis (PH.D.)--THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON, 1995.

School code: 0003.