Work Stress , Coping , and Substance Use Among Female Nurses

As women enter the work force, they are exposed to new or additional sources of stress, which may result in substance use. This chapter presents results from a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-funded research project on work stress, coping, and substance use among a regional sample of female nurses. It includes a summary of data on the prevalence of substance use among these nurses and a test of models of the relationships among personality, work stress, coping, and substance use in a subsample of female nurses. Findings from this research will enhance understanding of the complex issues involved in women’s use of a variety of substances.