The Reasons for Doing Physical Exercise Mediate the Effect of Self-Esteem on Uncontrolled Eating Amongst Nursing Personnel

Abstract

Background: Since the beginning of the 20th century, the importance of creating healthy work environments and promoting the health of workers in the healthcare sector to create Healthy and Resilient Organizations has been emphasized. In this context, self-esteem is an essential construct which influences health and healthy life styles, and, therefore, the general wellbeing of nurses. The objective of this study was to analyze the mediating role of reasons for exercising in the effect that self-esteem has on uncontrolled eating by nursing professionals. Methods: The sample was made up of 1094 nurses who were administered the Rosenberg General Self-Esteem Scale, the Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire, and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18. Results: Bivariate correlation analysis and multiple mediation analysis showed that self-esteem has direct and indirect effects on uncontrolled eating. Moreover, self-esteem determines whether one does physical exercise to improve one’s image, recognition, or social affiliation—although the effects on uncontrolled eating were only significant in the case of image. Conclusions: The results have important practical implications in the framework of Positive Occupational Health Psychology (POHP) as they emphasize self-esteem, physical exercise and eating as essential aspects of the health and wellbeing of employees in the healthcare sector, highlighting the importance of creating organizations committed to promoting the psychosocial health of their workers.

Role of Global Self-Esteem in Predicting Life Satisfaction of Nursing Students in Poland, Spain and Slovakia

“…The results of these studies have shown that poor sleep quality and the type of food consumed affect the self-esteem of nurses [ 31 ]. In other studies, using a group of 1094 nurses, it was found that global self-esteem had a direct and indirect effect on uncontrolled eating [ 32 ]. Abnormal eating behavior often signals problems with self-esteem, acceptance of one’s own body and difficulties with adaptation in the group [ 33 ].…”

<p>Role of Global Self-Esteem, Professional Burnout and Selected Socio-Demographic Variables in the Prediction of Polish Nurses’ Quality of Life – A Cross-Sectional Study</p>

“…Furthermore, self-esteem determines whether physical exercise is done to improve one's image, recognition or social affiliation. 55 In further research into the nurses' quality of life, it may be assumed that self-esteem as an individual's potential helps identify the strengths and weaknesses as regards the professional role. Proprietary study proved that a strong determinant which affects the perception of the quality of life is the professional burnout experienced by nurses as both physical and mental fatigue or exhaustion associated with the personal life sphere as well as with the work conditions and in contacts with patients.…”