The mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between workplace bullying, mental health and an intention to leave among nurses in Taiwan

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between workplace bullying, mental health and an intention to leave among nurses, and the mediating role of self-efficacy. Material and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 nurses in Taiwan. Data were collected by means of self-report questionnaires, including the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised , the General Self-Efficacy Scale , the Chinese Health Questionnaire , and the Employee’s Turnover Intentions and Job Destination Choices Scale . Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were used. Results Bullying was found to negatively correlate with self-efficacy and mental health, and positively with an intention to leave. Self-efficacy positively correlated with mental health, and negatively with an intention to leave. Hierarchical regression showed that bullying and self-efficacy were significant predictors of both mental health and an intention to leave. Self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between bullying and mental health, as well as an intention to leave. Conclusions Self-efficacy acted as a mediator of workplace bullying, mental health and an intention to leave among nurses. It could protect victims from the devastating effects of bullying behaviors. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(2):245–54

Keywords

• workplace bullying
• mental health
• intention to leave
• self-efficacy
• nurses
• Taiwan