Exploration of the stress phenomena within public health
type: CreativeWork
description: Background: The connection between stress and health is one that has been documented extensively. In recent years, significant investments have been made into health improvement and public health initiatives across the NHS (e.g. preventing cardiovascular disease). However, studies have exemplified that stress is often a barrier for health-related behaviour change (e.g. smoking cessation, physical activity) (Ali, 2010; Heslop et al., 2001; Louis et al., 2009; Kalsi, 2012, 2013; Ng & Jeffery, 2003), an increased levels of stress can impact upon health outcomes. Despite this connection, minimal support is currently offered, in terms of stress management within public health services, failing to address the holistic health needs of patients (Goodrick et al., 2005). Aims: Two studies were undertaken to (1) explore the lived experience of stress, and (2) to explore healthcare professionals (HCPs) experiences of patient reported stress. The aims of study 1 were to (a) gain insight into participants’ experiences of stress and their coping strategies, and (b) explore participants’ views on stress and coping, in light of their personal experiences. The aims of study 2 were to (a) gain insight into HCPs’ experiences of working with patients reporting stress, (b) explore HCPs’ perceptions of stress management and their narrative accounts concerning stress management advice in their consultations with their patients, and (c) explore how the experiences of dealing with patient reported stress has an impact on HCPs stress levels and their experience of that. Methodology: A qualitative methodology was employed for both studies due to the explorative nature of the study aims. A combination of mini-focus groups and one-toone interviews were conducted with individuals who self-reported themselves to be highly stressed, and HCPs (e.g. G.P.s, pharmacists, and health improvement practitioners). A total of sixteen participants took part in the six mini-focus groups conducted. Ten HCPs too…
abstract: Background: The connection between stress and health is one that has been documented extensively. In recent years, significant investments have been made into health improvement and public health initiatives across the NHS (e.g. preventing cardiovascular disease). However, studies have exemplified that stress is often a barrier for health-related behaviour change (e.g. smoking cessation, physical activity) (Ali, 2010; Heslop et al., 2001; Louis et al., 2009; Kalsi, 2012, 2013; Ng & Jeffery, 2003), an increased levels of stress can impact upon health outcomes. Despite this connection, minimal support is currently offered, in terms of stress management within public health services, failing to address the holistic health needs of patients (Goodrick et al., 2005). Aims: Two studies were undertaken to (1) explore the lived experience of stress, and (2) to explore healthcare professionals (HCPs) experiences of patient reported stress. The aims of study 1 were to (a) gain insight into participants’ experiences of stress and their coping strategies, and (b) explore participants’ views on stress and coping, in light of their personal experiences. The aims of study 2 were to (a) gain insight into HCPs’ experiences of working with patients reporting stress, (b) explore HCPs’ perceptions of stress management and their narrative accounts concerning stress management advice in their consultations with their patients, and (c) explore how the experiences of dealing with patient reported stress has an impact on HCPs stress levels and their experience of that. Methodology: A qualitative methodology was employed for both studies due to the explorative nature of the study aims. A combination of mini-focus groups and one-toone interviews were conducted with individuals who self-reported themselves to be highly stressed, and HCPs (e.g. G.P.s, pharmacists, and health improvement practitioners). A total of sixteen participants took part in the six mini-focus groups conducted. Ten HCPs too…
author: Kalsi, P.
keywords: BF Psychology
date published: 2013
date modified: 2026-07-24T01:39:17Z
provider: City University of London
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: City University London