The Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction Between Psychological Capital and Neglect Among Geriatric Nursing Assistants in Nursing Homes in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Neglect in nursing homes is defined as the failure of caregivers to meet the essential needs of residents. It remains a prevalent issue that significantly threatens the physical and mental health of the elderly. While prior studies have primarily focused on elderly residents’ experiences, this study analyzes neglect through the perspective of geriatric nursing assistants. Our study aims to investigate the effect of psychological capital (a positive psychological state comprising self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience) on neglect among geriatric nursing assistants and the mediating role of job satisfaction in this relationship. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2024 among 370 nursing assistants in Henan Province, China. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires assessing psychological capital, job satisfaction, and elder neglect. Regression analysis with bootstrapping was performed to examine the mediating role of job satisfaction. Higher psychological capital and job satisfaction were associated with lower levels of neglect. The mediation effect analysis found job satisfaction mediated the relationship between psychological capital and neglect. Job satisfaction acts as a partial mediator in the relationship between psychological capital and neglect of geriatric nursing assistants. It is essential for nursing homes’ managers to recognize the importance of geriatric nursing assistants’ psychological capital and job satisfaction on their work behaviors. Targeted interventions are recommended to enhance psychological capital and improve job satisfaction. This contributes to reducing geriatric nursing assistants’ neglect and enhancing the quality of nursing services in nursing homes.

Keywords

psychological capital job satisfaction neglect geriatric nursing assistants nursing homes

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