How Religious Commitment Shapes Job Satisfaction in Nursing Practice: A cross-sectional study

How Religious Commitment Shapes Job Satisfaction in Nursing Practice: A cross-sectional study | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article How Religious Commitment Shapes Job Satisfaction in Nursing Practice: A cross-sectional study Mousa Rezaei, Javad Rahmani, Mohammad Taghi Badeleh This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6562191/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background Spirituality can significantly influence job satisfaction among nurses. Given that job satisfaction is a key factor in the quality of healthcare services, this study aimed to explore the relationship between religious commitment and job satisfaction among Shia Muslim nurses. Methods A cross-sectional design targeting 1,800 nurses across medical centers in Babol, Iran. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s sampling table, a minimum sample of 400 participants was calculated to ensure statistical power (95% confidence level, 5% margin of error). Convenience sampling yielded 383 eligible respondents (response rate: 95.75%). Religious commitment was assessed via the 60-item Religious Commitment Inventory (RCI), validated for Islamic contexts, while job satisfaction was measured using the 72-item Job Descriptive Index (JDI). Data were analyzed in SPSS-21 using Pearson’s correlation, Mann-Whitney U, and descriptive statistics. Results A statistically significant, moderate correlation emerged between religious commitment and job satisfaction (r = 0.32, p < 0.01). Gender did not predict variance in religious commitment (p = 0.42), aligning with studies suggesting egalitarian spiritual engagement in nursing. However, educational attainment positively correlated with religious adherence (β = 0.18, p < 0.05), indicating that higher education may enhance nurses’ capacity to integrate faith-based values into professional practice. Conclusion This study underscores religious commitment as a culturally embedded resource that fosters job satisfaction among nurses, primarily through instilling purpose, community belonging, and adaptive coping strategies. These findings advocate for healthcare policies that accommodate spiritual practices, such as integrating faith-aligned resilience training and fostering inclusive environments for religious expression. job satisfaction religious commitment Nurse Background Job satisfaction is a cornerstone of professional efficacy in nursing, profoundly influencing productivity, mental and physical well-being, and the quality of healthcare delivery [ 1 ]. In an era marked by rapid advancements in medical technology and escalating demands on healthcare systems, nurses face mounting stressors, including administrative burdens, role complexity, and the need to adapt to evolving clinical protocols [ 2 , 3 ]. These challenges underscore the urgency of understanding factors that sustain job satisfaction, which not only enhances patient care outcomes but also mitigates risks such as burnout, absenteeism, and high turnover rates [ 4 ]. Theoretical frameworks, such as Herzberg’s dual-factor theory, posit that job satisfaction arises from intrinsic motivators (e.g., achievement, recognition) while dissatisfaction stems from extrinsic factors (e.g., workload, organizational policies) [ 5 ]. Empirical studies across diverse cultural contexts reveal significant variability in nurses’ job satisfaction levels. For instance, research in Iran indicates that only 47.9% of nurses report satisfaction with their roles, attributing discontent to chronic stress, interpersonal conflicts, and inadequate coping resources [ 6 ]. Such dissatisfaction not only jeopardizes nurses’ emotional resilience and quality of life but also threatens healthcare systems’ stability by exacerbating workforce shortages [ 7 , 8 ]. Consequently, healthcare administrators are urged to implement evidence-based strategies—including resilience training and workplace support programs—to foster sustainable job engagement [ 9 ]. Spirituality and religious commitment have emerged as critical yet understudied dimensions in this discourse. Spirituality, a framework of beliefs and practices that imbue life with meaning and purpose [ 10 ], intersects with religion, a structured system of faith that shapes cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to adversity [ 11 ]. Religious commitment, in particular, reflects the degree to which individuals internalize and enact their faith’s tenets, potentially transforming their perceptions of work-related challenges. Studies suggest religious adherence correlates with enhanced coping mechanisms, psychological well-being, and adaptive performance in high-stress professions [ 12 , 13 ]. For example, religious nurses may reframe occupational stressors as opportunities for spiritual growth, thereby bolstering resilience and job fulfillment [ 14 ]. In Iran, where spritual values deeply permeate cultural and professional norms, religious commitment may uniquely shape nurses’ vocational experiences. Yet, limited research explores how Islamic principles—such as Sabr (perseverance) and Tawakkul (trust in divine will)—interact with job satisfaction in healthcare settings. This study addresses this gap by investigating the relationship between religious commitment and job satisfaction among nurses in Babol, Iran. By examining how cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of religious adherence influence nurses’ professional fulfillment, this cross-sectional analysis aims to inform culturally sensitive interventions that align healthcare management practices with the spiritual values of Muslim nursing populations. Methods Participants and procedure This cross-sectional study targeted nurses employed across medical centers in Babol, Iran, with a total population of 1,800 eligible participants. Using the Krejcie and Morgan Table—a validated reference for determining sample sizes in finite populations—a minimum sample of 400 nurses was calculated to achieve statistical power at a 95% confidence level with a 5% margin of error [ 1 ]. Participants were recruited via non-probability convenience sampling to ensure accessibility and feasibility. Of the initial 400 respondents, 17 were excluded due to incomplete or inconsistent responses, yielding a final analytical sample of 383 nurses (response rate: 95.75%). Measures Job satisfaction was assessed utilizing the 72-item Job Description Index (JDI) developed by Smith, Kendall, and Hulin [ 14 ]. This tool evaluates five domains critical to nursing practice: remuneration, supervisory support, career advancement opportunities, workplace environment, and peer relationships. Responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree). The JDI has been widely validated in healthcare settings, demonstrating high internal consistency (α > 0.80) [ 14 ]. Data analysis Data were processed using SPSS Statistics 21.0. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, frequencies) summarized demographic and scale variables. To confirm the normality of distributions, we used Shapiro-Wilk tests, and to check the relationship between religious commitment (RCT total score) and job satisfaction (JDI total score), we used Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r). Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests compared gender-based and education-level differences in religious commitment and job satisfaction, as preliminary analyses indicated skewed distributions for these subgroups. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 (two-tailed). Results The results indicated that approximately 22.5% of the nurses were between 25 and 30 years, while the lowest percentage (7.3%) was among those under 25. Additionally, 84.2% of the respondents were female. The average scores revealed that male nurses reported higher job satisfaction than their female counterparts, although the level of religious commitment for both genders was below average. The findings showed that the highest degree of religious commitment was found among nurses aged 25 to 30, particularly those who were married. In contrast, the lowest levels of religious commitment were seen among divorced nurses, those with associate degrees, and nurses employed under fixed-term contracts. Regarding job satisfaction, nurses aged between 36 and 45 had the lowest satisfaction scores, as did those with associate degrees. Conversely, the highest levels of job satisfaction were reported by single nurses and those with master’s degrees. To evaluate the normality of the data, we used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (see Table 1 ). Since the distribution was nonnormal, we utilized the Spearman correlation coefficient to investigate the relationship between religious commitment and job satisfaction. This analysis revealed a positive correlation between religious commitment and job satisfaction among nurses (r = 0.276, p ≤ 0.05). There were differences in religious commitment and job satisfaction based on educational level. We used Analysis of variance to compare religious commitment across multiple groups and the Kruskal-Wallis test to assess job satisfaction. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a significant difference in job satisfaction among nurses based on their educational level (P = 0.004), though no differences were found based on age. Table 1 Analysis of Variance for Religious Commitment Differences Variable F Sig Kruskal-Wallis Age 1.454 0.193 0.113 Education Level 4.587 0.001 0.004 Marital status 6.930 0.000 0.021 Employment 2.472 0.04 0.218 In the analysis of variance, it was found that the level of religious commitment among nurses differed depending on their educational attainment. Specifically, higher levels of education were associated with greater religious commitment. However, age did not have an impact on job satisfaction among nurses (see Table 1 ). Table 2 Difference between Religious Commitment of Male and Female Nurses Religious Commitment t Sig Mean differences Std Error difference 95% Confidence Interval for Differences Lower Upper Equality of variances 0.04 0.997 -0.027 6.513 -12.83 12.83 Inequality of variances 0.05 0.996 -0.027 5.647 -11.27 11.27 An independent samples t-test was conducted to compare religious commitment levels between male and female nurses, while the Mann-Whitney U test was utilized to assess job satisfaction in both groups. The results indicated a significant difference in job satisfaction, with male nurses reporting higher levels than female nurses (p 0.05) (see Table 2 ). Discussion The findings of this study underscore a statistically significant, though modest, association between religious commitment and job satisfaction among nurses in Babol, Iran. Our findings align with prior research indicating that spirituality and religiosity serve as psychological resources that buffer occupational stressors and enhance vocational fulfillment [ 15 ]. Notably, while no gender-based disparities in religious commitment were observed, higher educational attainment correlated positively with spiritual engagement, consistent with studies suggesting that education fosters reflective thinking and openness to existential meaning [ 16 ]. Religious commitment appears to influence organizational outcomes by instilling a sense of purpose and ethical responsibility in nurses. Employees with internal religiosity often reframe workplace challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth, cultivating resilience, patience, and intrinsic motivation [ 6 ]. For instance, Islamic teachings emphasizing Sabr (perseverance) and Khidmah (service to others) may enable nurses to derive meaning from patient care, even in high-stress environments [ 17 ]. This result resonates with Balcazar’s [ 10 ] assertion that spirituality enhances job satisfaction by promoting alignment between personal values and professional duties. Similarly, Asutay et al. [ 17 ] identified Islamic spirituality as a catalyst for organizational commitment, particularly in cultures where faith permeates daily life. The role of education further elucidates these dynamics. Higher education may empower nurses to integrate spiritual principles into evidence-based practice, harmonizing ethical values with clinical demands [ 18 ]. Conversely, inadequate training or professional development can exacerbate role ambiguity, diminishing satisfaction and performance [ 19 ]. Bluedorn’s [ 20 ] emphasis on demographic factors—such as equitable compensation and career advancement opportunities—complements this finding, highlighting the need for institutional policies that address both material and non-material drivers of job satisfaction. Principally, religious practices such as prayer, meditation, or communal worship may redirect attention from occupational stressors to transcendent sources of hope, fostering emotional equilibrium and sustained caregiving efficacy [ 21 ]. Iranian nurses, for example, often attribute their clinical dedication to religious convictions that frame nursing as a divine vocation [ 22 ]. This observation supports Rosada’s [ 18 ] claim that people address value conflicts by strengthening their religious beliefs, which subsequently fortifies their vocational identity. While this study provides valuable insights, its cross-sectional design precludes causal inferences. Longitudinal studies tracking fluctuations in religious commitment and job satisfaction over time could clarify directional relationships. Additionally, the homogeneity of the sample (nurses in Iran) limits generalizability. Comparative studies across diverse religious and cultural contexts—e.g., Sunni-majority settings or secular healthcare systems—are needed to disentangle universal and culture-specific mechanisms. Finally, qualitative inquiries exploring how nurses interpret and operationalize religious values in clinical practice could enrich quantitative findings. Conclusion This study illuminates the nuanced interplay between religious commitment and job satisfaction in nursing, revealing that spirituality serves both a coping strategy and a source of vocational meaning. In Iran’s faith-oriented context, religious adherence equips nurses with psychological resilience, ethical clarity, and a sense of communal belonging, all of which enhance professional fulfillment. These findings advocate for healthcare policies that recognize spirituality as a legitimate dimension of occupational well-being. Practical interventions might include: Workplace Spirituality Programs: Facilitating interfaith dialogues, quiet reflection spaces, or chaplaincy services to support nurses’ spiritual needs. Education-Value Alignment: Integrating ethics training that bridges religious principles (e.g., compassion in Islam) with evidence-based care protocols. Leadership Training: Equipping managers to foster inclusive environments where diverse spiritual practices are respected. Future research should explore how globalization and shifting religiosity trends impact these dynamics, particularly among younger nurses navigating secular-professional identities. By prioritizing the spiritual dimensions of nursing, healthcare systems can cultivate resilient, satisfied workforces capable of delivering compassionate, patient-centered care in an evolving world. Declarations Acknowledgments The authors would like to thank the survey participants and the Hospital for allow recruiting them. Ethics approval and Consent to participate Approval for this study was granted by the Ethics Committee of the Sari branch of Islamic Azad University (No.1335). The procedures followed adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki. Participants received details regarding the research, its purpose, the confidentiality of their data, their right to exit the study at any time, and their access to the outcomes of the study. All participants provided written informed consent, and required permissions were secured from relevant authorities before data collection. Consent to publication Not Applicable Clinical Trial Not Applicable A vailability of data and material The datasets generated and analyzed during this study are not publicly available due to confidentiality agreements and ethical restrictions protecting participant privacy. However, the data may be made available upon reasonable request, subject to institutional approval. Interested researchers should direct inquiries to the corresponding author at [ [email protected] ] for access. Competing interests The authors declared no potential competing of interest concerning research, authorship, and/or publication. Funding This research has no financial support. Authors contributions MR performed the measurements. MTB were involved in planning and supervising the work. MTB and JR processed the experimental data, performed the analysis, and drafted the manuscript. MTB worked on the final manuscript. All authors commented on the manuscript. References Leong K, Fong P, Kuok C, Meng L. Cross-sectional association and influencing factors of job satisfaction and burnout among nurses in Macao. SAGE. 2022;12(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440221104811 . Cheraghi R, Ebrahimi H, Kheibar N, Sahebihagh MH. Reasons for resistance to change in nursing: an integrative review. BMC Nurs. 2023;22(1):310. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-023-01460-0 . Suhaimi A, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Mulud ZA, Ahmad Sharoni SK, Wan Zainodin WH, Kuala Lumpur General Hospital. Factors contributed to job satisfaction among nurses working at tertiary hospitals in the Klang Valley: An adaptation of the Herzberg’s theory. J Sustain Sci Manag. 2023;18(6):135–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.46754/jssm.2023.06.012 . Wong FMF. Job satisfaction in nursing: A qualitative inquiry into novice and experienced nurses' perspectives. Nurse Educ Pract. 2024;78:104018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2024.104018 . Samad A, Memon SB, Ali I. Despotic leadership and job satisfaction among nurses: role of emotional exhaustion. Indep J Manag Prod. 2021;12(1):127–42. https://doi.org/10.14807/ijmp.v12i1.1344 . Jurek K, Niewiadomska I, Szot L. Turning to religion as a mediator of the relationship between hopelessness and job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals representing the uniformed services or working in professions of public trust in Poland. PLoS ONE. 2023;18(12):e0291196. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0291196 . Job Satisfaction of Nurses Working in a Central-Level Hospital, Bir Nur J. Cam. 2024 Feb. 1 [cited 2025 Apr. 6];1(1):1–5. https://doi.org/10.70397/jbnc.4 Lu H, Zhao Y, While A. Job satisfaction among hospital nurses: A literature review. Int J Nurs Stud. 2019;94:21–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.01.011 . Mousazadeh S, Yektatalab S, Momennasab M, Parvizy S. Job satisfaction and related factors among Iranian intensive care unit nurses. BMC Res Notes. 2018;11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-018-3913-5 . Balcazar J, Cox CB, Pool G. A meta-analytic study of religiosity on job performance and organizational citizenship behaviors. Acad Manag Proc. 2020;2020(1):18384. https://doi.org/10.5465/AMBPP.2020.18384abstract Rabani Z, MA of Social Research, Department of Social Studies, Branch D. Islamic Azad University, Dehaghan, Iran. Comparison of coping styles, distress tolerance and religious adherence in mothers of children with physical-motor disabled and normal. Iran J Rehabil Res Nurs. 2020;6(4):10–8. https://doi.org/10.29252/ijrn-06042 . Robbie RI, Sayyaf RTF. Impact of religiosity, work-related stress on job performance and workload as moderating variable. Int J Soc Sci Bus. 2022;6(2):156–64. https://doi.org/10.23887/ijssb.v6i2.43319 . Janbozorgi M. Construction and validity of religious adherence test on the basis of the statements of Quran and Nahjul Balaghah. Stud Islam Psychol. 2010;3(5):79–105. Smith PC, Kendall LM, Hulin CL. Job Descriptive Index [Database record. APA PsycTests; 1969. https://doi.org/10.1037/t06316-000 Mathew GC, Prashar S, Ramanathan H, Pandey UK, Parsad C. Impact of religiosity, spirituality, job satisfaction and commitment on employee performance: A quantile regression approach. Int J Indian Cult Bus Manage. 2020;1(1):1. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJICBM.2019.104797 . Hassan M, Bin Nadeem A, Akhter A. Impact of workplace spirituality on job satisfaction: Mediating effect of trust. Cogent Bus Manag. 2016;3(1):1189808. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2016.1189808 . Asutay M, Buana GK, Avdukic A. The impact of Islamic spirituality on job satisfaction and organisational commitment: Exploring mediation and moderation impact. J Bus Ethics. 2022;181(4):913–32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-021-04940-y . Rosada AA. Conflict Management in Indonesia Through Religious Moderation. KnE Social Sci. 2023;436–49. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v8i16.14041 . Amirhossein TondroSiavash VaziriZeinab Mohseni. AfsharMarzieh MoradiHadis AzariNarges ShekarbeygiThe Association of Resilience and Occupational Burnout with Religious Orientation in Nurses of Acute Respiratory Departments Hospitals in Kermanshah.J. Arch Mil Med.13(1):e157735. https://doi.org/10.5812/jamm-157735 Wright BE, Davis BS. Job satisfaction in the public sector: The role of the work environment. Am Rev Public Admin. 2003;33(1):70–90. https://doi.org/10.1177/0275074002250254 . Bluedorn AC. A unified model of turnover from organizations. Hum Relat. 1982;35(2):135–53. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872678203500204 . Gürbüz A. An Assesment on the Effect of Education Level on the Job Satisfaction From the Toursim Sector Point of View. Doğuş Üniversitesi Dergisi. 2019;240. https://doi.org/10.31671/dogus.2019.240 . Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6562191","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":477964150,"identity":"55e65d18-267c-4692-91cf-4729aa8b2034","order_by":0,"name":"Mousa Rezaei","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Islamic Azad University Sari Branch","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mousa","middleName":"","lastName":"Rezaei","suffix":""},{"id":477964151,"identity":"133cceec-8957-49c0-ad15-989f8b192617","order_by":1,"name":"Javad Rahmani","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Islamic Azad University of Gorgan","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Javad","middleName":"","lastName":"Rahmani","suffix":""},{"id":477964152,"identity":"752e9588-8fcf-465f-b35f-83dcd4063a79","order_by":2,"name":"Mohammad Taghi Badeleh","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAx0lEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACAxB6wHBADsQ58IBoLQkMB4zBWhJI0ZLYAOIRpcWc/fDGBwkVd9Lnhx1+CLTFTk63gYAWy560YoOEM89yN95OMwBqSTY2O0DIYQdyzCQS2w7nbpydANJyIHEbQS3n35j/SPx3ON1wdvoHIrXcyDFjSGw4nCAvnUOkLZYznhVLJBw7bLhBOqfgQIIBEX4x50/e+OFDzWF5+dnpmz98qLCTI6gF4UKwSgNilYOAfAMpqkfBKBgFo2BEAQDjlE2dkXuAywAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"Golestan University of Medical Sciences","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mohammad","middleName":"Taghi","lastName":"Badeleh","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-04-30 07:23:23","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6562191/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6562191/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":93663060,"identity":"44bb1140-e60b-4a2e-b7f8-a360d7328203","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-16 08:32:20","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":485892,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6562191/v1/9ba72803-f366-4b5e-87a5-195bebb46af1.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"How Religious Commitment Shapes Job Satisfaction in Nursing Practice: A cross-sectional study","fulltext":[{"header":"Background","content":"\u003cp\u003eJob satisfaction is a cornerstone of professional efficacy in nursing, profoundly influencing productivity, mental and physical well-being, and the quality of healthcare delivery [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. In an era marked by rapid advancements in medical technology and escalating demands on healthcare systems, nurses face mounting stressors, including administrative burdens, role complexity, and the need to adapt to evolving clinical protocols [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. These challenges underscore the urgency of understanding factors that sustain job satisfaction, which not only enhances patient care outcomes but also mitigates risks such as burnout, absenteeism, and high turnover rates [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTheoretical frameworks, such as Herzberg\u0026rsquo;s dual-factor theory, posit that job satisfaction arises from intrinsic motivators (e.g., achievement, recognition) while dissatisfaction stems from extrinsic factors (e.g., workload, organizational policies) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. Empirical studies across diverse cultural contexts reveal significant variability in nurses\u0026rsquo; job satisfaction levels. For instance, research in Iran indicates that only 47.9% of nurses report satisfaction with their roles, attributing discontent to chronic stress, interpersonal conflicts, and inadequate coping resources [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. Such dissatisfaction not only jeopardizes nurses\u0026rsquo; emotional resilience and quality of life but also threatens healthcare systems\u0026rsquo; stability by exacerbating workforce shortages [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. Consequently, healthcare administrators are urged to implement evidence-based strategies\u0026mdash;including resilience training and workplace support programs\u0026mdash;to foster sustainable job engagement [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpirituality and religious commitment have emerged as critical yet understudied dimensions in this discourse. Spirituality, a framework of beliefs and practices that imbue life with meaning and purpose [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e], intersects with religion, a structured system of faith that shapes cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to adversity [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]. Religious commitment, in particular, reflects the degree to which individuals internalize and enact their faith\u0026rsquo;s tenets, potentially transforming their perceptions of work-related challenges. Studies suggest religious adherence correlates with enhanced coping mechanisms, psychological well-being, and adaptive performance in high-stress professions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]. For example, religious nurses may reframe occupational stressors as opportunities for spiritual growth, thereby bolstering resilience and job fulfillment [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn Iran, where spritual values deeply permeate cultural and professional norms, religious commitment may uniquely shape nurses\u0026rsquo; vocational experiences. Yet, limited research explores how Islamic principles\u0026mdash;such as Sabr (perseverance) and Tawakkul (trust in divine will)\u0026mdash;interact with job satisfaction in healthcare settings. This study addresses this gap by investigating the relationship between religious commitment and job satisfaction among nurses in Babol, Iran. By examining how cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of religious adherence influence nurses\u0026rsquo; professional fulfillment, this cross-sectional analysis aims to inform culturally sensitive interventions that align healthcare management practices with the spiritual values of Muslim nursing populations.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eParticipants and procedure\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis cross-sectional study targeted nurses employed across medical centers in Babol, Iran, with a total population of 1,800 eligible participants. Using the Krejcie and Morgan Table\u0026mdash;a validated reference for determining sample sizes in finite populations\u0026mdash;a minimum sample of 400 nurses was calculated to achieve statistical power at a 95% confidence level with a 5% margin of error [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Participants were recruited via non-probability convenience sampling to ensure accessibility and feasibility. Of the initial 400 respondents, 17 were excluded due to incomplete or inconsistent responses, yielding a final analytical sample of 383 nurses (response rate: 95.75%).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMeasures\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJob satisfaction was assessed utilizing the 72-item Job Description Index (JDI) developed by Smith, Kendall, and Hulin [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. This tool evaluates five domains critical to nursing practice: remuneration, supervisory support, career advancement opportunities, workplace environment, and peer relationships. Responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale (1\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;strongly disagree to 5\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;strongly agree). The JDI has been widely validated in healthcare settings, demonstrating high internal consistency (α\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.80) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eData were processed using SPSS Statistics 21.0. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, frequencies) summarized demographic and scale variables. To confirm the normality of distributions, we used Shapiro-Wilk tests, and to check the relationship between religious commitment (RCT total score) and job satisfaction (JDI total score), we used Pearson\u0026rsquo;s correlation coefficient (r). Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests compared gender-based and education-level differences in religious commitment and job satisfaction, as preliminary analyses indicated skewed distributions for these subgroups. Statistical significance was set at p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 (two-tailed).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe results indicated that approximately 22.5% of the nurses were between 25 and 30 years, while the lowest percentage (7.3%) was among those under 25. Additionally, 84.2% of the respondents were female. The average scores revealed that male nurses reported higher job satisfaction than their female counterparts, although the level of religious commitment for both genders was below average.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe findings showed that the highest degree of religious commitment was found among nurses aged 25 to 30, particularly those who were married. In contrast, the lowest levels of religious commitment were seen among divorced nurses, those with associate degrees, and nurses employed under fixed-term contracts.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegarding job satisfaction, nurses aged between 36 and 45 had the lowest satisfaction scores, as did those with associate degrees. Conversely, the highest levels of job satisfaction were reported by single nurses and those with master\u0026rsquo;s degrees.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo evaluate the normality of the data, we used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (see Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Since the distribution was nonnormal, we utilized the Spearman correlation coefficient to investigate the relationship between religious commitment and job satisfaction. This analysis revealed a positive correlation between religious commitment and job satisfaction among nurses (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.276, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere were differences in religious commitment and job satisfaction based on educational level. We used Analysis of variance to compare religious commitment across multiple groups and the Kruskal-Wallis test to assess job satisfaction. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a significant difference in job satisfaction among nurses based on their educational level (P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.004), though no differences were found based on age.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnalysis of Variance for Religious Commitment Differences\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSig\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKruskal-Wallis\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.454\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.193\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.113\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducation Level\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.587\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarital status\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.930\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.021\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmployment\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.472\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.218\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the analysis of variance, it was found that the level of religious commitment among nurses differed depending on their educational attainment. Specifically, higher levels of education were associated with greater religious commitment. However, age did not have an impact on job satisfaction among nurses (see Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDifference between Religious Commitment of Male and Female Nurses\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eReligious Commitment\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003et\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSig\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean differences\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStd Error difference\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95% Confidence Interval for Differences\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLower\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUpper\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEquality\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eof variances\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.997\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.027\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.513\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-12.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInequality\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eof variances\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.996\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.027\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.647\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-11.27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAn independent samples t-test was conducted to compare religious commitment levels between male and female nurses, while the Mann-Whitney U test was utilized to assess job satisfaction in both groups. The results indicated a significant difference in job satisfaction, with male nurses reporting higher levels than female nurses (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). However, the independent samples t-test revealed no significant difference in religious commitment between the two groups (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) (see Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe findings of this study underscore a statistically significant, though modest, association between religious commitment and job satisfaction among nurses in Babol, Iran. Our findings align with prior research indicating that spirituality and religiosity serve as psychological resources that buffer occupational stressors and enhance vocational fulfillment [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. Notably, while no gender-based disparities in religious commitment were observed, higher educational attainment correlated positively with spiritual engagement, consistent with studies suggesting that education fosters reflective thinking and openness to existential meaning [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReligious commitment appears to influence organizational outcomes by instilling a sense of purpose and ethical responsibility in nurses. Employees with internal religiosity often reframe workplace challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth, cultivating resilience, patience, and intrinsic motivation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. For instance, Islamic teachings emphasizing Sabr (perseverance) and Khidmah (service to others) may enable nurses to derive meaning from patient care, even in high-stress environments [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. This result resonates with Balcazar\u0026rsquo;s [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e] assertion that spirituality enhances job satisfaction by promoting alignment between personal values and professional duties. Similarly, Asutay et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e] identified Islamic spirituality as a catalyst for organizational commitment, particularly in cultures where faith permeates daily life.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe role of education further elucidates these dynamics. Higher education may empower nurses to integrate spiritual principles into evidence-based practice, harmonizing ethical values with clinical demands [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. Conversely, inadequate training or professional development can exacerbate role ambiguity, diminishing satisfaction and performance [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. Bluedorn\u0026rsquo;s [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e] emphasis on demographic factors\u0026mdash;such as equitable compensation and career advancement opportunities\u0026mdash;complements this finding, highlighting the need for institutional policies that address both material and non-material drivers of job satisfaction.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrincipally, religious practices such as prayer, meditation, or communal worship may redirect attention from occupational stressors to transcendent sources of hope, fostering emotional equilibrium and sustained caregiving efficacy [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e]. Iranian nurses, for example, often attribute their clinical dedication to religious convictions that frame nursing as a divine vocation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]. This observation supports Rosada\u0026rsquo;s [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e] claim that people address value conflicts by strengthening their religious beliefs, which subsequently fortifies their vocational identity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhile this study provides valuable insights, its cross-sectional design precludes causal inferences. Longitudinal studies tracking fluctuations in religious commitment and job satisfaction over time could clarify directional relationships. Additionally, the homogeneity of the sample (nurses in Iran) limits generalizability. Comparative studies across diverse religious and cultural contexts\u0026mdash;e.g., Sunni-majority settings or secular healthcare systems\u0026mdash;are needed to disentangle universal and culture-specific mechanisms. Finally, qualitative inquiries exploring how nurses interpret and operationalize religious values in clinical practice could enrich quantitative findings.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study illuminates the nuanced interplay between religious commitment and job satisfaction in nursing, revealing that spirituality serves both a coping strategy and a source of vocational meaning. In Iran\u0026rsquo;s faith-oriented context, religious adherence equips nurses with psychological resilience, ethical clarity, and a sense of communal belonging, all of which enhance professional fulfillment. These findings advocate for healthcare policies that recognize spirituality as a legitimate dimension of occupational well-being. Practical interventions might include: Workplace Spirituality Programs: Facilitating interfaith dialogues, quiet reflection spaces, or chaplaincy services to support nurses\u0026rsquo; spiritual needs. Education-Value Alignment: Integrating ethics training that bridges religious principles (e.g., compassion in Islam) with evidence-based care protocols. Leadership Training: Equipping managers to foster inclusive environments where diverse spiritual practices are respected.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFuture research should explore how globalization and shifting religiosity trends impact these dynamics, particularly among younger nurses navigating secular-professional identities. By prioritizing the spiritual dimensions of nursing, healthcare systems can cultivate resilient, satisfied workforces capable of delivering compassionate, patient-centered care in an evolving world.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors would like to thank the survey participants and the Hospital for allow recruiting them.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to participate\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproval for this study was granted by the Ethics Committee of the Sari branch of Islamic Azad University (No.1335). The procedures followed adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki. Participants received details regarding the research, its purpose, the confidentiality of their data, their right to exit the study at any time, and their access to the outcomes of the study. All participants provided written informed consent, and required permissions were secured from relevant authorities before data collection.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot Applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClinical Trial\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot Applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003evailability of data and material\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets generated and analyzed during this study are not publicly available due to confidentiality agreements and ethical restrictions protecting participant privacy. However, the data may be made available upon reasonable request, subject to institutional approval. Interested researchers should direct inquiries to the corresponding author at [[email protected]] for access.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003einterests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declared no potential competing of interest concerning research, authorship, and/or publication.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research has no financial support.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMR \u0026nbsp;performed the measurements. MTB were involved in planning and supervising the work. MTB and JR processed the experimental data, performed the analysis, and drafted the manuscript. MTB worked on the final manuscript. All authors commented on the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeong K, Fong P, Kuok C, Meng L. Cross-sectional association and influencing factors of job satisfaction and burnout among nurses in Macao. SAGE. 2022;12(2). \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1177/21582440221104811\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1177/21582440221104811\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCheraghi R, Ebrahimi H, Kheibar N, Sahebihagh MH. Reasons for resistance to change in nursing: an integrative review. 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Doğuş \u0026Uuml;niversitesi Dergisi. 2019;240. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.31671/dogus.2019.240\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.31671/dogus.2019.240\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"job satisfaction, religious commitment, Nurse","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6562191/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6562191/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpirituality can significantly influence job satisfaction among nurses. Given that job satisfaction is a key factor in the quality of healthcare services, this study aimed to explore the relationship between religious commitment and job satisfaction among Shia Muslim nurses.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA cross-sectional design targeting 1,800 nurses across medical centers in Babol, Iran. Using Krejcie and Morgan\u0026rsquo;s sampling table, a minimum sample of 400 participants was calculated to ensure statistical power (95% confidence level, 5% margin of error). Convenience sampling yielded 383 eligible respondents (response rate: 95.75%). Religious commitment was assessed via the 60-item Religious Commitment Inventory (RCI), validated for Islamic contexts, while job satisfaction was measured using the 72-item Job Descriptive Index (JDI). Data were analyzed in SPSS-21 using Pearson\u0026rsquo;s correlation, Mann-Whitney U, and descriptive statistics.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA statistically significant, moderate correlation emerged between religious commitment and job satisfaction (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.32, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01). Gender did not predict variance in religious commitment (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.42), aligning with studies suggesting egalitarian spiritual engagement in nursing. However, educational attainment positively correlated with religious adherence (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.18, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), indicating that higher education may enhance nurses\u0026rsquo; capacity to integrate faith-based values into professional practice.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study underscores religious commitment as a culturally embedded resource that fosters job satisfaction among nurses, primarily through instilling purpose, community belonging, and adaptive coping strategies. These findings advocate for healthcare policies that accommodate spiritual practices, such as integrating faith-aligned resilience training and fostering inclusive environments for religious expression.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"How Religious Commitment Shapes Job Satisfaction in Nursing Practice: A cross-sectional study","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-07-01 09:27:43","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6562191/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"4603f478-362a-49b8-89f1-a171f9635056","owner":[],"postedDate":"July 1st, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-10-16T08:24:13+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-07-01 09:27:43","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6562191","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6562191","identity":"rs-6562191","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}