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Exploring Stressors and Coping Strategies of Young Care Workers in Long‐Term Care: A Qualitative Study Using the CHEERS Framework

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: AIMS: To explore the psychological stressors and coping strategies of young care workers aged 30 years or younger across diverse care settings. DESIGN: This qualitative study was conducted using data collected through focus group interviews to investigate stress experiences and coping responses. METHODS: Four focus group interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 16 young care workers. Data were analysed using grounded theory methods involving open, axial and selective coding. RESULTS: Young care workers encounter psychological stressors from boundary violations, including physical acts like client violence and emotional pressures from excessive demands, which impair their well-being and caregiving effectiveness. A coping framework emerged, comprising six strategies-compassion, help-seeking, empathy, exposure, reflection and sensitivity-structured across three stages: primary coping, secondary coping, and long-term coping to alleviate stress and enhance resilience across varied settings. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the significant stressors faced by young care workers and a structured coping framework that supports their resilience and occupational well-being. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The CHEERS framework may inform training and supervision strategies for young care workers and support nurse educators and long-term care nursing leaders in strengthening workforce retention and care quality. IMPACT: This study tackled the pervasive stress among young care workers, revealing a framework of coping strategies to mitigate its effects. It impacts care facilities and workers by offering tools to improve resilience and care quality. REPORTING METHOD: This study adhered to the COREQ criteria. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Young care workers participated in the focus group interviews and shared their experiences of occupational stress and coping. Immediate member checking was conducted at the end of each focus group to allow participants to clarify or confirm the researchers' summary of the discussion. Participants were not involved in manuscript preparation.

Source: Nursing Open

DOI: 10.1002/nop2.70839

Authors: Chia‐Chen Chang, Chen‐Yin Tung

Institution: National Taiwan Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Stress and Burnout Research

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,390