Mediating Effect of Secondary Traumatic Stress and Compassion Satisfaction on the Association Between Stress and Burnout: the Korea Nurses’ Health Study

Abstract BackgroundNurses’ burnout is a public health epidemic around the world that adversely affects nurses’ quality of life as well as the patient's outcomes. In this study, we aim to test a hypothetical path model evaluating the influence of stress on nurse's burnout and to identify the mediating effects of secondary traumatic stress (STS) and compassion satisfaction (CS) among clinical nurses in South Korea. MethodsA quantitative, cross-sectional study evaluated the survey data from 10,305 female registered nurses who participated in the Korea Nurses’ Health Study (KNHS) Module 5. The survey included a demographic questionnaire and the Professional Quality of Life version 5 (ProQOL 5). Bootstrap analyses (using the PROCESS macro) was employed to evaluate the mediating effect between variables. ResultsStress was significantly associated with burnout and mediated by STS and CS. In addition, the magnitude of the indirect effects of CS was significantly greater than the magnitude of the indirect effects of STS. The findings of this study showed the positive aspect (CS) of work experiences might offset the negative aspects (STS), consequently reducing the burnout level. ConclusionsOur study findings suggest that a multidimensional approach to assessing nurse burnout and implementing proper management will help to improve quality of life for nurses and help maintain positive attitudes and quality of patient care.