An ergonomic approach to stress.

The relationships between psychology and ergonomics centre around the concept of stress. This paper outlines the concept that stress is a mismatch between the demands made on an individual and his ability to cope. The nature and theories of stress are reviewed and sources of stress in the nursing profession are analysed. Coping is recognized as a way of reducing the actual or perceived stresses. However, a common method of coping is to disguise the symptoms by taking therapeutic drugs, tobacco or alcohol. It is argued that these methods are a maladaptation since in themselves they can cause illness and death. Evidence of smoking habits in relation to perceived stress in the nursing profession is given. It is concluded that a direct action approach to reduce workplace (organizational) stressors can be achieved by an ergonomic approach to the problem, and that this, if successful, will obviate the need to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Suggestions are put forward as to how some of the major recognised sources of stress in the nursing profession can be analysed and removed by applying ergonomic methods. Shift working is seen by many nurses as a particular stressor. The relationships between lighting quality and circadian rhythm control are discussed as a further example of how an ergonomic solution might be sought.