Work-Family Conflict and Mental Health in Nursing
Summary
Work–family conflict in nursing arises when demands of caregiving in the professional domain clash with family responsibilities, generating stress that can impair mental health. Nurses frequently work irregular shifts, face emotional and physical pressures and must reconcile these with household duties, childcare or eldercare. This ongoing tension contributes to burnout, characterised by emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduced personal accomplishment, and is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety and reduced life satisfaction. The interplay of individual characteristics (such as coping style and self‐efficacy), organisational factors (including staffing levels, leadership support and workplace climate) and broader social influences (societal expectations, policy frameworks) determines the intensity and outcomes of conflict. Globally, work–family conflict undermines retention and quality of care, highlighting the need for systemic interventions—ranging from flexible rostering and peer support groups to policies promoting psychological resources. An integrated approach that addresses personal resilience, team cohesion and institutional culture is essential to safeguard nurses’ well‐being and sustain healthcare delivery.
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Work-Family Conflict and Mental Health in Nursing publication trend
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Technical terms
Work–family conflict: A form of interrole stress where work and family demands are mutually incompatible, causing strain in both domains.
Burnout: A psychological syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress, characterised by exhaustion, cynicism and reduced professional efficacy.
Emotional exhaustion: The central dimension of burnout, reflecting feelings of being emotionally overextended and depleted of one’s emotional resources.
Psychological capital: A positive organisational behaviour construct encompassing self‐efficacy, optimism, hope and resilience.
Self‐compassion: An attitude of kindness towards oneself in instances of suffering or perceived inadequacy, involving mindfulness and recognition of shared human experience.
Collective affective commitment: The shared emotional attachment and identification of team members with their work group, fostering mutual support and cohesion.
References
- Factors associated with clinical nurse’s mental health: a qualitative study applying the social ecological model. BMC Nursing (2024).
- The relationships between work-family conflict and life satisfaction and happiness among nurses: a moderated mediation model of gratitude and self-compassion. Frontiers in Public Health (2024).
- The role of collective affective commitment in the relationship between work–family conflict and emotional exhaustion among nurses: a multilevel modeling approach. BMC Nursing (2019).
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