Honors College Theses

Publication Date

4-6-2022

Major

Exercise Science (B.S.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Faculty Mentor

Matthew Williamson

Abstract

Working in hospice comes with a variety of unique tasks and stressors that other jobs typically do not require. While this workplace stress can act as a catalyst, too much can be threatening to an individual’s mental state and life in general. Moreover, anxiety and depression can be detrimental to an individual’s life and career. Research has shown positive correlations between stress, anxiety, and depression. The purpose of this study is to use quantitative measures to examine the anxiety, depression, and perceived stress levels of hospice care professionals in Georgia. 12 hospice care workers were quantitatively surveyed regarding their perceived stress, anxiety, and depression levels. Particpants also reported their highest level of education and their length of career in hospice. Stress, depression, and anxiety were all reported at a moderate level. Stress exhibited strong positive correlations with anxiety (r = 0.723; p = 0.008) and depression (r = 0.842; p = 0.001) and a strong negative correlation with years of employment (r = -0.897; p = 0.000). Anxiety showed a weak negative correlation with years of employment (r = -0.624; p = 0.030) and a strong positive correlation with depression (r = 0.852; p = 0.000). Depression showed a weak negative correlation with years of employment (r = -0.690; p = 0.013).

Thesis Summary

This study attempts to examine the depression, anxiety, and perceived stress levels of hospice care professionals in Georgia. 12 hospice care professionals responded to the study reporting their age, length of hospice career, education level, sex, along with completing the survey. The results of this study report that hospice care professionals have moderate levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, with strong positive correlations between stress, anxiety, and depression. The results also reported a negative correlations between stress and years of employment, anxiety and years of employment, and depression and years of employment.

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