Ruth Lo

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the perception and sources of stress, coping mechanisms used, and self‐esteem in nursing students during 3 years of their undergraduate nursing programme. Methods. The sample consisted of a cohort of nursing students going through 3 years of a nursing programme. The method was a descriptive corelational design. The questionnaire consisted of demographic data, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12), Self‐esteem Scale, and the modified Ways of Coping Scale. Data were analysed using frequency distributions, content analysis, and measures of correlation. Results. Results indicated that students in year 1 experienced significantly less transient stress as compared with year 2; students in year 3 had more positive self‐esteem than year 2 students. There were no significant differences with regard to chronic stress, avoidance and proactive coping, and negative self‐esteem. Chronic and transient stress, as measured by GHQ, were significantly correlated ( P < 0·01) with avoidance coping behaviours, and negative self‐esteem. Positive self‐esteem was significantly correlated ( P < 0·01) with proactive coping behaviours. The four main stressors in the last three years for this cohort of students, in descending order are nursing studies, finance, family and health. They coped by using both problem‐focused and emotion‐focused coping skills. There is a need to review the nursing curriculum and evaluate what impacts on students' stress levels, and also introduce strategies to reduce the stress levels of nursing students.

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Retirement from work can present a significant adjustment challenge for the older population financially, socially and emotionally. Retirement has been identified as a significantly stressful event. Work provides both a structured activity within a regular time frame and a sense of purpose and daily meaning. Energy is channelled into intellectual, creative, and/or physical tasks that offer a sense of satisfaction when they are completed. The planning for retirement is associated with successful adaptation. A realization of the potential and rewards of retirement will also facilitate this adaptation.