Factors Relating to Self‐Efficacy Among Psychiatric Nurses

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the factors related to self-efficacy experienced by psychiatric nurses. Analysis of qualitative descriptive data from a free self-description questionnaire administered to 16 psychiatric nurses working in psychiatric hospitals revealed 24 codes across the following 8 categories as factors that increase self-efficacy: A1. possibility of practical use in nursing, A2. nursing judgment, A3. improvement of psychiatric symptoms, A4. the patients presenting a positive attitude, A5. building a relationship of trust with the patients, A6. building a relationship of trust with other nurses, A7. work progressing according to plan and A8. team medical practice. Twenty-five codes across the following 10 categories were identified as factors that decrease self-efficacy: B1. lack of communication, B2. uncertainty in caregiving, B3. recurrence of psychiatric symptoms, B4. feeling overpowered by a patient, B5. sense of being too busy to work adequately, B6. difficulty in bringing about self-improvement, B7. sense of loss regarding one's role as a nurse, B8. lack of physical strength, B9. mechanical performance of nursing and B10. fluctuating view of nursing due to mistakes. These factors require intervention for psychiatric nurses' self-efficacy.

Exploration of the factors related to self-efficacy among psychiatric nurses

“…This study aimed to determine the factors related to psychiatric nurses' self-efficacy. Notably, these factors were partially different with respect to construct, compared to the factors in the previous study [9]. They were also partially similar to a previous study for general nurses [20].…”

“…General demographic data including age, years of experience as a nurse, sex, nursing education level, and job position were collected. The scale (The Factors Related to Improved Self-efficacy) included 24 items assessing "improved self-efficacy" and the scale (The Factors Related to Decreased Self-efficacy) included 25 items assessing "decreased self-efficacy" were developed based on previously determined qualitative data [9], and items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale from 1 (I do not think so at all) to 5 (I think so). For each question in the Factors Related to Improved Self-efficacy scale, higher scores, indicated by the response "I think so," indicate a high self-efficacy.…”

“…For each question in the Factors Related to Decreased Self-efficacy scale, higher scores, indicated by the response "I think so," indicate a low self-efficacy. Three researchers with experience as a psychiatric nurse comprehensively reviewed the qualitative data covering the self-efficacy of psychiatric nurses [9] and created the question items. The content and face validity were confirmed through consensus.…”

“…Therefore, psychiatric nurses' achievements that affect their self-efficacy may differ from those of general workers or other nurses. In such a situation, psychiatric nurses feel that uncertainty of care and an unmotivated appearance of the patient can lead to reduced self-efficacy [9]. Consequently, nurses are likely to give up active involvement with patients who will not be leaving the hospital [10].…”

“…Nonetheless, previous studies have not quantitatively clarified the self-efficacy in psychiatric nurses. A qualitative study identified 18 factors influencing self-efficacy among psychiatric nurses, such as "the patients presenting a positive attitude," "building a relationship of trust with the patients," "uncertainty in caregiving," and "sense of loss regarding one's role as a nurse" [9]. Thus, a quantitative analysis of these factors is required, which may shed light on ways to improve nurses' mental health and motivation to work as well as reduce their turnover intention.…”