Gender Differences in Job Stress and Stress Coping Strategies among Korean Nurses

Gender differences among nursing professionals were investigated in the area of job stress and stress coping strategies. Seventy six male nurses and 93 female nurses from 3 general hospitals were participated in this study. Korean job stress measurement developed by Chang (2005) and stress coping measurement modified by Yim (1994) were used. Using SPSS 22.0 program, gender differences in the level of job stress and coping strategies were compared by frequency, percentage, and independent t-test. Furthermore, the level of job stress and coping strategies according to the duration of work experience between male and female nurses were compared. The overall levels of job stress were significantly higher among male nurses than female nurses. In specific, the stress level from interpersonal conflict was higher among male nurses. According to duration of work, male nurses working more than 5 years showed higher level of job stress than female nurses in the area of autonomy, interpersonal conflict, and lack of reward. For coping strategies, more male nurses working more than 5 years used challenging, emotion focused, and avoidant coping strategies. In conclusion, male nurses have more difficulties in interpersonal conflicts than female nurses. The longer male nurses worked, the higher and broader their job stress level became. Therefore, specific continuing education program only for male nurses should be developed and implemented.