What the study found
Received support after adverse events was statistically related to distressing experiences in nurses who had acted as second victims. Psychological capital, meaning a person's positive psychological resources, partly mediated this relationship.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that adequate support systems and high psychological capital can help reduce negative emotions and distress in nurses after adverse events. They also suggest hospital administrators should provide fair patient safety culture, individualized support, and professional counseling.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study of clinical nurses with a history of adverse events in the past year from six medical institutions in Xuzhou, China. They analyzed 422 valid questionnaires using a social-demographic questionnaire, the Nurse Psychological Capital Scale, and the Second Victim Experience and Support Scale.
What worked and what didn't
Received support was significantly correlated with distressing experiences (r = 0.359, p < 0.01). Received support was also significantly correlated with psychological capital (r = -0.326, p < 0.01), and psychological capital was significantly correlated with distressing experiences (r = -0.434, p < 0.01). Psychological capital showed a partial mediating effect on the link between received support and distressing experiences, with a mediating effect size of 0.152, or 32.27% of the total effect.
What to keep in mind
This is a cross-sectional study, so it describes relationships at one point in time rather than proving cause and effect. The abstract does not describe additional limitations beyond noting that the study was conducted among nurses from six medical institutions in one city.
Key points
- The study found a statistical relationship between support received after adverse events and nurses' distressing experiences.
- Psychological capital partially mediated the relationship between received support and distressing experiences.
- Received support was correlated with psychological capital, and psychological capital was correlated with distressing experiences.
- The study analyzed 422 valid questionnaires from clinical nurses in six medical institutions in Xuzhou, China.
- The authors suggest support systems, patient safety culture, and counseling may help reduce distress.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Psychological capital partly links support and nurse distress
- Authors:
- Wei Zong, Jing Qiu, Lin Chen, Meng Zhang, Xiaobin Wang, Xiangguang Yin, Jing Wei
- Institutions:
- Xuzhou Medical College, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Education Training And Research
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-07
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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