The relationship between job stressors, hardy personality, coping resources and burnout in a sample of nurses: A correlational study at two time points

BackgroundNursing is considered as a risk profession with high levels of stress and burnout, and these levels are probably increasing.ObjectivesThis study assessed temporal and cross-sectional relationships between job stressors, hardy personality and coping resources on burnout dimensions among nurses.DesignTemporal and cross-sectional effects were evaluated. A sample of 98 nurses from Portugal completed the Nursing Burnout Scale at two time points. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and hierarchical linear regression analyses regressing Wave 2 burnout dimensions.ResultsThe study confirmed the specific contribution of control and challenged hardy personality dimensions as the explanation of burnout. However, commitment did not show any effects in this study. Social support and active coping were also relevant predictors of burnout dimensions. Specifically, active coping had an inverse temporal effect on depersonalisation and lack of personal accomplishment. In relation to the burnout process, depersonalisation appeared as an antecedent of lack of personal accomplishment.ConclusionsThe present study is an initial step to comprehend the link between job stressors, hardy personality, coping resources and diminishing burnout.