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Psychological distress among workers caring for the elderly
Author(s) -
Macpherson Robertson,
Eastley Rebecca J.,
Richards Hayley,
Mian Ihsan Haq
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/gps.930090506
Subject(s) - distress , disturbance (geology) , aggression , psychological distress , gerontology , nursing homes , psychology , psychiatry , medicine , clinical psychology , mental health , nursing , paleontology , biology
The GHQ‐30 was used to assess psychological disturbance among staff working in four long‐stay wards, four homes for the elderly mentally infirm, four elderly persons' homes and four private nursing homes. Rates of disturbance were consistent across all 16 units. Rates of CGHQ caseness were low, compared with published findings from a representative UK community sample. A strong relationship was demonstrated between staff psychological disturbance and aggression from residents over the last week. Disturbed staff were more likely to perceive a lack of support at work, and to report 'shouting back' at aggressive residents. No relationship was found between rates of disturbance and a range of demographic and work‐related factors. Implications for service provision and future research are discussed.