The role of nurses in providing patient care is both instrumental and expressive. Fulfillment of these dual roles depends on the psychosocial and physical well-being of nurses. This study examined the stress experience of nurses in Hong Kong. Various factors affecting the experience of stress and the coping strategies adopted were also investigated. Female nurses (N=196) working in different specialities were studied. Irrespective of their work experience, nursing grades and nature of work, the major source of stress experienced was found to consist of intrapsychic conflict which arose from the profession, the organization, the job, and their home. The total stress experienced also correlated positively with job dissatisfaction. In coping with these stresses, interpersonal succorance seeking was most frequently used. These findings show significant deviations from those obtained in the West. The nature of this stress-coping relationship was evaluated in relation to the nursing profession and the characteristics of the Chinese culture. (Author)