Social support, perceived threat, coping response and coping effectiveness among psychiatric nurses

The present study, based on Lazarus' cognitive theory, identified coping strategies utilized by psychiatric nurses, and examined correlations between social support, perceived threat and coping effectiveness. The correlational design utilized a convenience sample of registered nurses holding membership in the Indiana State Nurses' Association Council on Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Practice. Subjects completed a demographic sheet, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, Jalowiec Coping Scale, McNett Coping Effectiveness Questionnaire, and a one-item threat evaluation scale. Problem-focused coping was preferred by the sample. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between social support and coping effectiveness, a significant negative correlation between threat and coping effectiveness, and a non-significant negative correlation between social support and threat. Conclusions were psychiatric nurses utilize problem-focused coping strategies, there was a significant relationship betweeen social support and coping effectiveness, and threat and coping effectiveness, and a nonsignificant relationship between social support and threat.