Strategies to Cope with Moral Distress among Mental Health Nurses in Thailand

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the strategies used by Thai mental health nurses to cope with the moral distress that often results from their work. Material and Methods: The study was performed using a qualitative, narrative method. Participants were recruited into the study using a purposive snowball method. A total of 41 mental health nurses met the inclusion criteria and were in-depth interviewed about their strategies to cope with moral distress, with content analysis being used to analyze the data. Results: Six principal themes were found, classified as (1) releasing tension by talking to others, (2) positive self-talk, (3) believing in my ability to handle problems, (4) using my training and experience of nursing to self-help, (5) being with professional autonomy, and (6) participating in a case conference group. These strategies were used by the Thai mental health nurses in the study to cope with the moral distress resulting from their work. Conclusion: Awareness of these strategies to cope with the moral distress related to work can benefit mental health nurse leaders, including head nurse and head ward nurses to provide suitable nursing staff development to enhance the quality of the psychiatric nursing practice.

Keywords

• coping
• distress
• mental health
• moral
• nurses