The dual effect of work rumination in the relationship between challenge stress and innovative behavior: A moderated mediation model of information literacy

Abstract

Background Nurses encounter significant challenge stress, which has the potential to influence their innovative behavior. However, the precise mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. This study sought to examine the mediating role of work rumination in the relationship between challenge stress and innovative behavior. Additionally, it aimed to explore the moderating role of information literacy in the association between work rumination and innovative behavior among Chinese nurses. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 533 nurses from 25 hospitals in China in May 2024. Participants were instructed to complete an online questionnaire designed to measure challenge stress, work rumination, information literacy, and innovative behavior. The data collected from the questionnaire was subsequently analyzed using mediation and moderated mediation analyses, carried out with the aid of the PROCESS macro in SPSS. Results Challenge stress was positively associated with innovative behavior (r = 0.142, p < 0.01) and work rumination (r = 0.348, p < 0.01). Work rumination partially mediated the relationship between challenge stress and innovative behavior (indirect effect: 0.279, 95% CI [0.199, 0.362]). Affective rumination had a negative indirect effect (Effect=-0.135, 95% CI [-0.222, -0.043]), while problem-solving pondering had a positive indirect effect (Effect = 0.121, 95% CI [0.064, 0.182]). Information literacy moderated the relationship between work rumination and innovative behavior (interaction term β = 0.069, p = 0.019), with the mediating effect being stronger among nurses with higher information literacy (Effect = 0.204, 95% CI [0.121, 0.287]). Conclusion Work rumination plays a mediating role in the relationship between challenge stress and nurses' innovative behavior. Specifically, problem-solving pondering exerts a positive influence, while affective rumination exerts a negative influence. Information literacy enhances the positive mediating effect of work rumination. These findings underscore the significance of promoting positive work rumination and information literacy to cultivate innovative behavior among nurses who encounter challenge stress.