Association of job stress with locus of control in nurses

Abstract

Background: Locus of control (LOC) is one of the most important factors with a significant role in stress management and increase or decrease negative emotions, notably in the work environment with many occupational consequences. This effect is more prominent in those working in more stressful environments such as medical professionals including nurses. Objectives: This study examined the association of job stress and perceived LOC considering covariates variables. Patients and Methods: Subjects were female nurses working in public hospitals in Shiraz during 2011. A total of 270 nurses were selected according to stratified sampling with proportional allocation. They were asked to complete the Rotter’s internal-external LOC scale and Occupational Stress Questionnaire. Results: The results showed that the LOC has significant positive association with the occupational stress (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The result supported the significant association of LOC with occupational stress in nurses. With regard to the impact of internal LOC, organizing educational programs in this field may promote the nurses' health in workplaces.