The Relationship Between Spousal Support and Nurse Burnout: A Parallel Dual-Mediator Model of Work-Family Conflict and Work-Family Facilitation.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether work-family conflict (WFC) and work-family facilitation (WFF) act as parallel statistical mediators in the association between spousal support (SS) and burnout among nurses.

BACKGROUND

Nurse burnout represents a substantial management challenge, contributing to high staff turnover and diminished quality of patient care. SS is a potentially important protective resource for mitigating burnout. Nevertheless, the mechanisms through which SS influences nurse burnout, particularly via positive work-family spillover, remain understudied within nursing populations.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 343 married clinical nurses from multiple provinces across China. Validated self-report questionnaires were used to measure SS, WFC, WFF, and burnout. Path analysis with bootstrapping was performed to test the parallel dual-mediator model.

RESULTS

The model achieved good fit indices, with X2/df = 1.281 and RMSEA = 0.029. SS was negatively associated with WFC (β = -0.225, SE = 0.038, 95% CI [-0.300, -0.151]) and positively associated with WFF (β = 0.279, SE = 0.022, 95% CI [0.236, 0.321]). Both mediators were significantly associated with burnout. The total indirect effect of SS on burnout was statistically significant (β = -0.643, SE = 0.095, 95% CI [-0.835, -0.461]). The indirect pathway operating through WFF accounted for 62.36% of the total indirect effect, which was larger than the 37.64% attributable to the WFC pathway.

CONCLUSION

These correlational findings suggest that higher SS is associated with lower nurse burnout through both reduced WFC and enhanced positive WFF. The results highlight the critical "resource-gain" function of family support for married nurses.

IMPLICATIONS: Interventions should not merely target workload reduction but also actively foster SS to promote personal resource development. It is recommended to foster a family-friendly corporate culture, implement comprehensive initiatives that involve partners, and regard proactive work-family integration as a strategic approach to alleviating nurse burnout.