Occupational stresses, goal clarity, control, and strain among nurses in the Finnish health care system.

The aim of this study was to determine how occupational stresses (job demands), control, and goal clarity were related to strain in Finnish nurses (n = 433). It was hypothesized that clear goals moderate the stress-strain relationship. The interaction between stresses, perceived control, and goal clarity was tested by hierarchical regression analysis. Troublesome patients and time pressure imposed the greatest job demands. Job demands and control were related to strain, but control did not moderate the stress-strain relationship. The results supported the moderating effect of goal clarity.