Conceptual frameworkThe present stu

Conceptual framework
The present study was guided by Lazarus and Folkmans cognitive theory of stress and coping (Lazarus & Folkman 1984) and Karaseks Demand–Control Model (Karasek 1979). According to Lazarus and Folkman (1984), stress is defined by the interaction between the individual and the environment. Demands from the environment exceeding the available resources result in either stress or coping, dependent on the individuals appraisal of the environmental effects or stressors. The variables in the theory that guided this research are personal and work characteristics. Work characteristics are environmental stressors whereas personal characteristics facilitate the individual nurses ability to con- duct the appraisal of the stressors. The nurses perception of how much control he/she has is a factor which leads to feelings of stress when the situation is perceived during appraisal as uncontrollable. The De- mand–Control Model (Karasek 1979) assumes that psychological strain results from joint effects of work demands and the decision-making freedom available for the employee facing the demands. In other words, jobs with high demands but with low control increase the
risk of stress, thus less job satisfaction and poorer job performance. The assumption in the model is that psychological strain results when work demands are high, and there is low or no decision-making freedom available for the employee facing the demands. In other words, jobs with high demands but with low control increase the risk of stress. The variables in this model, which guided the study, are job demands and job strain (workload pressures) as seen in Figure 1.