Psychological hardiness, workplace stress and related stress reduction strategies

Contending with stressful situations in the workplace is a common occurrence for all health care providers. Stress has numerous devastating effects on the workplace environment, as well as upon individuals who become victims of stress. However, enhancing psychological hardiness may facilitate an individual's ability to deal with workplace stress. Psychological hardiness, a personality style consisting of commitment, control and challenge, encourages human survival and the enrichment of life through development. This article provides an overview of psychological hardiness and workplace stress, and proposes strategies that one can use to enhance commitment, control and challenge in an effort to reduce the impact of stress.