Structural Stress and Otherness: How Do They Influence Psychological Stress?. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: DeWilde, Christine; Carrington, June; Abbate, Antonio; Burton, Candace W.; Bearman, Gonzalo; Salyer, Jeanne
• Is Part Of: Journal of transcultural nursing. Volume 30:Number 5(2019)
• Page Start: 478
• Page End: 491
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: culture -- person-centered care -- intersectionality -- structural stress -- otherness -- perceived stress -- ethnicity-related threat -- ethnic identity -- culturally congruent care -- cultural competence; Transcultural nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; Health attitudes -- Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1177/1043659618823915
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-6596

Abstract

Background: This study represents the initial steps in researching the cultural distress model and explores the cumulative layering of stressors that place the patient at risk for cultural distress, including structural stress and otherness.Method: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational analysis of intersecting identities (Structural Stressors), ethnicity-related stressors (Otherness) and ethnic-identity (Otherness) on psychological stress. Participants were also asked to define the word culture.Results: Results indicated that structural stressors did not significantly influence on psychological stress but were associated with perception of discrimination. The experience of otherness significantly influenced psychological stress.Discussion: Given the association between structural stress and perceived discrimination, additional research and tool development is needed to better understand how structural stressors influence psychological stress. Participant definitions of culture fell into two primary themes: Collectiveness and Individualness, indicating that the way we live is influenced by shared experiences, yet also a product of individual choices.