Date Available
5-7-2021
Year of Publication
2021
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Committee Chair
Dr. Karen Stefaniak
Clinical Mentor
Dr. Lynne Zajac (NKU)
Committee Member
Dr. Debra Hampton
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Teaching and nursing are consistently cited as the two occupations that work under the highest levels of occupational stress. Positive Reflective Journaling may be a tool that helps to manage stress and influence a healthy work environment in academic nursing settings.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Positive Reflective Journaling could be used as an adjunct to reduce stress and support a healthy working environment in
nursing academia.
Methodology: Eighty-six faculty and staff from a University based School of Nursing were invited to participate in the study. A positive reflective journaling exercise was evaluated at two points in time by examining the psychometric properties of the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-
10), and qualitative summary statements.
Results: Eight participants completed the pre-journaling survey. The post-journaling analysis was based on 7 participants, as one participant did not respond. Paired samples t-test used to evaluate changes in stress before and after the journaling intervention did not show a significant change in stress scores. Qualitative summary statements suggest favorable influences in
identifying and managing the symptoms of stress.
Discussion: The literature shows journaling to be an effective use of time and helps in stress reduction; however, the results in this study showed only a small reduction in stress scores after journaling, but it was not statistically significant. Additional qualitative summary statements
suggested that it was a positive and valuable use of time. Conclusion: This study did not show a statistically significant change in pre- post-test stress scores. However descriptive summary summaries supported the value of positive reflective
journaling. Additional research is recommended.
Recommended Citation
Gall, Roxanne, "Positive Reflective Journaling as a Tool for Managing Stress and Promoting a Healthy Work Environment in Nursing Academia" (2021). DNP Projects. 358.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/dnp_etds/358
