The relationship between emotions and stress among mental health nurses

This paper presents findings from an exploratory correlational study that examined the relationships between Emotional Competency, Trait Affectivity, Stress and Experienced Emotions among 43 mental health nurses in Australian regional hospitals. A significant relationship was found between Emotional Competency and Personal Self‐doubt in male nurses only; however, no association was found between Emotional Competency and Experienced Emotions. Trait Affectivity was found to be associated with Experienced Emotions but not Stress. Gender differences were found in Trait Affectivity and Experienced Emotions. The results of the study have implications for the retention of mental health nurses in their profession.