Role strain in non-traditional female nursing students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to measure role strain in non-traditional female nursing students utilizing the Lengacher Role Strain Inventory (LRSI) and to identify the demographic variables that may contribute to elevated role strain. This study was a replication of a study by C.A. Lengacher (1993). The study utilized a convenience sample of 39 traditional female nursing students and 43 nontraditional female nursing students. A nonexperimental, descriptive, correlational study design was used to collect data employing a demographic survey and the LRSI. Role Strain occurred in the non-traditional student group and in the traditional student group. There was no significant difference between the groups. None of the demographic variables correlated with the scores emerged as significant factors. Future research should include comparisons of the groups with other traditional and non-traditional female, non-nursing students. The LRSI needs to be refined and reduced in length. Efforts should be made to determine ways to alleviate the stress in nursing education and to develop interventions that provide life-long coping skills for meeting the demands of a stressful profession.