Effects of the Optimistic Stress Management Programme on the physical and psychological well-being of nurses

Abstract

This presentation explores the effects of the "Optimistic Stress Management Programme" on the physical and psychological well-being of nurses. Nurses are a highly stressed population, with 86% working under high or moderate stress , and burnout affecting around 25%. The program's goal was to equip nurses with tools to mitigate stress and deal effectively with occupational stress. Hypotheses tested included whether the program decreased cortisol levels (a salivary biomarker) and reduced the subjective intensity of stress. Contributions include integrating psychophysiological measures in research and reinforcing the importance of stress management programs. The conclusion emphasizes the need to equip nurses with tools for self-awareness, coping, and burnout prevention.