Influential Factors on Job Burnout among China's Nursing College Faculties: The Mediating Role of Psychological Capital

Abstract

Background: Compared to other professions, nursing teachers in Chinese nursing universities face a more complex role as teachers, clinical practitioners, and family responsibilities with a high potential for stress.

Objectives: This study aimed to uncover the trial roles that influence job burnout and the function of psychological variables as a mediating variable in the relationship between the two variables. It also investigated the significant role of psychological capital as a mediating variable.

Methods: This study employed a survey and interview design. First, three questionnaires, MBI-S, PsyCap, and WMC, were administered to 200 nursing teachers from different regions in China. Then, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six respondents based on their teaching experience and academic rank.

Result: The regression analysis indicated that conflict among work-family and family-work relations positively influenced job burnout. Psychological capital (PsyCap) played a dual role as a mediating variable when it dealt with emotional exhaustion and cynicism and a moderating variable when it dealt with professional efficacy. The finding also indicated that age and teaching experience positively correlated with job burnout.

Conclusion: This study underscores the significant strain that nursing educators in Chinese universities experience due to their multifaceted responsibilities, which include teaching, clinical practice, and family responsibilities. The interplay of these role conflicts influences the variables of work-family and family-work relationships. Then, job fatigue significantly impacts participants’ emotional exhaustion and cynicism. Psychological capital (PsyCap) has emerged as a critical mediating factor, reducing the impact of role conflict on emotional exhaustion and cynicism while also acting as a moderating factor that enhances professional efficacy.

Unique contribution: Understanding the dual function of psychological capital in role conflict and job burnout is crucial in nursing education, as it serves as a mediator and moderator, addressing specific burnout dimensions.

Key recommendation: Professional development programmes should be tailored to cater for the needs of teachers of all ages and experience levels to enhance their stress management.

Keywords: Educator burnout, clinical practice, family interference, trial-role conflict, emotional exhaustion