The purpose of this study was to explore the mediating and/or moderating effects of psychological
empowerment in the relationship between structural
empowerment and burnout among nurses in China.
Background
Burnout is prevalent among nurses. Previous studies have found that empowering organizational structures contribute to reduce nurses’ burnout. However, little is known about the mediating or moderating role of psychological empowerment in the relationship between structural empowerment and burnout among nurses in China.
Methods
A cross-sectional design was conducted. A total of 244 nurses participated in this study. The data were collected in March 2013. Multiple regressions were used to test the hypothesized models.
Results
Psychological empowerment was found to be a significant mediator of the relationship between structural empowerment and burnout (standardized β = − 0.553, Sobel test: z = 7.79, p < 0.001). The moderating effect of psychological empowerment in that relationship was not verified.
Conclusion
Both structural and psychological empowerment negatively correlated with burnout. The psychological empowerment had a mediating effect on burnout.
Implications for nursing management
It is important for nurse managers to develop strategies to ensure that empowering structures are in place and to facilitate nurses’ perception of psychological empowerment.
