Impact of Structural Empowerment, Thriving at Work, and Caregiver Reciprocity on the Psychological Empowerment of Home Care Workers in South Korea

Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of structural empowerment, thriving at work, and caregiver reciprocity on the psychological empowerment of home care workers in South Korea. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 192 home care workers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and serial multiple mediation analysis using SPSS Process Macro. Results: Structural empowerment positively influenced job thriving, caregiver reciprocity, and psychological empowerment. Job thriving positively affected caregiver reciprocity and psychological empowerment. Caregiver reciprocity also positively influenced psychological empowerment. The dual mediating effect of job thriving and caregiver reciprocity between structural empowerment and psychological empowerment was significant. Conclusion: High levels of structural empowerment and caregiver reciprocity promote thriving at work, thereby enhancing psychological empowerment among home care workers. These findings highlight structural empowerment as a crucial factor affecting psychological empowerment, with thriving at work and caregiver reciprocity serving as decisive mediators. Healthcare organizations should implement diversified support systems and evaluate working environments to enhance both structural empowerment and caregiver reciprocity for improved care quality.