Stress among nursing professionals: effects of the conflict on the group and on the physician's power

Abstract

This study was performed with the purpose to investigate the impact of perceptions regarding intragroup conflicts and physician power bases on the stress of nursing professionals. To do this, 124 nursing aides and technicians of a university hospital answered Scales on Work Stress, Supervisor Power Bases Perception, and Intragroup Conflict Perception, and a form containing socio-demographic data. Most subjects presented low stress levels (58%), perceived a medium level of intragroup conflict and legit power as the most often used by physicians. Stepwise Regression Analysis results revealed that the task conflict and coercion power are direct predictors of stress, whereas age appears as an inverse predictor. The physician in charge has an important role on the nursing team's perception of stress and the need to seek solutions for task conflicts and, therefore, reduce the stress of these professionals.