Occupational stress, dyadic adjustment and quality of work-life in married nurses: Moderating effects of dyadic coping

Aims This study aimed to evaluate whether stress communication and supportive dyadic coping moderate the effects of occupational stress on dyadic adjustment and the quality of work-life of nurses. Background Nurses are at higher risk for occupational stress, work-family conflict, and the challenge of balancing job and family roles. However, in recent studies, the impact of dyadic coping strategies in dealing with work-family stress in those couples has not received adequate attention. Design This study was a cross-sectional study. Methods The research sample comprised 591 nurses recruited through announcements in hospitals and health centres in Iran between May 2018 and February 2019. They completed the Expanded Nursing Stress Scale, the Dyadic Coping Inventory, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and the Quality of Nursing Work Life questionnaire. Hierarchical regression was utilized. Results Results indicated that there was a negative relationship between occupational stress and dyadic adjustment, and quality of work-life. Stress communication and supportive dyadic coping moderated the association between occupational stress and dyadic adjustment as well as the quality of work-life. Conclusion The current findings suggest that the nurses who use dyadic coping strategies to deal with occupational stress report a higher level of adjustment and quality of work-life.