Role Perception of the Psychiatric Nurse: Whether a Lack of Role Consensus Is a Source of Role Strain

摘要

An investigation was made of the degree of role consensus as perceived by a group of psychiatric nurses in a general hospital setting and of the amount of role strain which may be associated with incongruity in role perception. Statements of activities of psychiatric nurses were used in measurement of role consensus. A questionnaire was used in the study of role strain. Role consensus was found in perception of importance of categories of activities. Categories in order of perceived importance were found to be: Clinical Assistance to Nursing Team Members; Clinical Nursing Care; Provision of a Therapeutic Milieu; Promotion of Good Personal Habits; Joint Planning; Assistance in Utilizing Acceptable Social Behaviors; Counseling, and Appropriate Surrogate Role. Lack of consensus in ratings of individual activities was found in areas of working with community and family, and in consultation with others. Evidence of role strain was found to be prevalent in the area of meeting conflicting demands of various people.