Coping with Hospice Work Stress

Abstract

How do hospice staff deal with the emotional stress engendered by constant contact with dying patients and their families? This study analyzed the responses of 93 staff members at three hospices in relation to two outcomes - emotional distress and role fulfillment - that were considered manifestations of occupational stress. It found that hospice workers call on different resources for coping with various selected problems. On the one hand, such psychological characteristics (internal resources) as self-esteem and a sense of mastery seem to be effective in sustaining them against the emotional distress that may arise from their work situations. On the other hand, external resources help and support from others and cooperative efforts seem to contribute to feelings of role fulfillment.