MIDDLE-RANGE THEORY FOR THE RISK OF STRESS OVERLOAD IN HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Nursing theory; Occupational stress; Health personnel; Occupational health; Occupational nursing.
Among healthcare professionals, exposure to intense biological, emotional, and organizational risks contributes to occupational stress, compromising physical and mental health, quality of life, and the care provided. Despite the relevance of the topic, there are still theoretical gaps and a lack of standardized models for understanding this phenomenon. In this context, Middle Range Theories are fundamental tools for supporting evidence-based nursing diagnoses. Objective: to develop a Middle Range Theory for the risk of occupational stress overload in healthcare professionals. Method: methodological study, supported by the framework for creating nursing diagnoses established by Lopes and Silva, and based on Betty Neuman's Systems Model. The theoretical construction was carried out in six stages based on a scope review, namely: definition of the construction approach and the theoretical-conceptual models to be analyzed, definition of the main concepts; development of a pictorial scheme, construction of propositions, and establishment of causal relationships and evidence for practice. Results: the resulting theory includes 22 concepts related to the risk of occupational stress overload, grouped into conceptual categories and 18 interrelated propositions. The relationships between the concepts were illustrated in an explanatory pictogram. Conclusion: The constructed theory contributes to the strengthening of standardized language in nursing by proposing a theoretical model that anticipates occupational stress illness, with a view to supporting the proposition of a nursing diagnosis in this scope, aligning with proactive care practices and occupational health surveillance.