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This study examines occupational stress, coping and general health differences between psychiatric and general nurses, using a between subjects design. The study was prompted by a lack of research in this area. The Perceived Stress Scale, Brief Cope and General Health Questionnaire were utilized to examine the hypotheses of the study. The relative nursing directors selected a random sample of 18 psychiatric and 40 general nurses. Overall, results implied that general nurses reported slightly higher stress levels than those of psychiatric nurses but there was no significant difference. These results did not accord with previous studies of this type and are explained in terms of potential interventions designed to reduce occupational stress. The need for appropriate counseling services for nurses is emphasized. It is also important that occupational stress is understood with regard its sources and solutions.
