OCCUPATIONAL STRESSES, GOAL CLARITY, CONTROL, AND STRAIN AMONG NURSESIN THE FINNISH HEALTH-CARE SYSTEM

The aim of this study was to determine how occupational stresses (job demands), control, and goal clarity were related to strain in Finnish nurses (n = 433). It was hypothesized that clear goals moderate the st ress-strain relationship. The interaction between stresses, perceived control, and goal clarity was tested by hierarchical regression analys is. Troublesome patients and time pressure imposed the greatest job de mands. Job demands and control were related to strain, but control did not moderate the stress-strain relationship. The results supported th e moderating effect of goal clarity. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.