Network analysis of the relationships between psychological capital and emotional exhaustion in clinical nurses during the post-epidemic period.

OBJECTIVES

Post-pandemic, nurses are at high risk of psychological issues and emotional exhaustion. Existing research predominantly uses total scores to explore the link between psychological capital and emotional exhaustion. Network-analysis research on this relationship among post-pandemic nurses is scarce. Our study fills this gap with network analysis, aiming to uncover variable relationships, understand interaction mechanisms, and develop targeted interventions to boost nurses' psychological resilience.

STUDY

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey design.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2022 to January 2023 on 1185 frontline clinical nurses working specifically in COVID-19 wards from 5 hospitals in Xi'an, China. The clinical nurses were selected using the convenience sample approach through online platforms upon the notice of hospital administrators. Psychological capital and emotional exhaustion were assessed using the Psychological Capital Questionnaire and the Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory (CMBI). Network analyses were used for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

From a network analysis perspective, "I feel exhausted " (Q3) and "I am optimistic about the future of my job" (X22) have the highest expected influence, suggesting their most significance in the network. In the community of emotional exhaustion, the statement "I feel very tired " (Q1) has the highest bridge expected influence, while in the community of psychological capital, the statement "When I have a setback at work, I have a hard time recovering from it " (X13) has the highest bridge expected influence, indicating they have the strongest connections with the other community.

CONCLUSIONS

Complex patterns of relationships emerged between psychological capital and emotional exhaustion. These results have significant implications for clinical practice in the post-epidemic era. Stress management workshops with relaxation techniques and training on building psychological capital, including cultivating optimism and providing resilience training, could be implemented.