A descriptive correlational study on resilience and professional quality of life among nurses in a mental health hospital

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between psychological resilience and professional quality of life (ProQOL) among mental health nurses working in a psychiatric hospital in Oman. Nurses in mental health settings are frequently exposed to high levels of emotional stress, compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress, which can negatively affect their well-being and the quality of care they provide. Despite the increasing demand for psychiatric services in Oman, limited empirical evidence exists to explain how resilience and ProQOL interact in this unique cultural and institutional context. A descriptive correlational research design was employed, and data were collected from 186 registered mental health nurses using two standardized instruments: the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic information and scale scores, while correlation and regression analyses examined the relationship between resilience and ProQOL, as well as the influence of demographic and work-related factors. The results revealed that participating nurses demonstrated moderate to high levels of resilience and balanced levels of ProQOL, with compassion satisfaction generally outweighing burnout and secondary traumatic stress. A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was found between resilience and ProQOL (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), indicating that nurses with higher resilience are more likely to experience positive aspects of their professional lives. Regression analysis showed that ProQOL was a strong predictor of resilience. Educational level and ward assignment were also significant factors affecting ProQOL, while demographic variables such as age, gender, marital status, and years of experience were not significant predictors. These findings highlight the significance of providing resilience enhancement through leadership services, organizational strategies, and continued professional development. The research will provide new local data that can inform both training interventions and policy shifts, supporting the mental health of nurses and facilitating high-quality, compassionate mental health care in Oman and other similar contexts. This research can provide healthcare leaders, educators, and decision-makers with theoretical and practical knowledge on building a resilient mental health nursing workforce, addressing an unexplored area in the GCC.