Psychological Contract Elements and Nurses’ Psychological Wellbeing in Private Hospitals, Klang Valley, Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2025.v17i02.006Abstract
Background: Nurses’ psychological wellbeing is essential for delivering high-quality patient care. However, demanding work environments in private hospitals often lead to stress and burnout, negatively affecting their psychological health. Understanding the factors influencing nurses' well-being is crucial for improving healthcare outcomes. Objectives: This study examines the impact of psychological contract elements (autonomy, organisational rewards, organisational benefits, and growth opportunities) on nurses' psychological wellbeing in private hospitals in Malaysia's Klang Valley. Additionally, it investigates the mediating role of job satisfaction and the moderating effect of motivation. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 301 nurses. Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to test the relationships between psychological contract factors and job satisfaction, motivation, and psychological well-being. Results: Autonomy and control showed a significant positive effect on psychological wellbeing (β = 0.196, p = 0.002), as did organisational benefits (β = 0.331, p < 0.001). Organisational rewards (β = –0.069, p = 0.293) and growth and development (β = 0.060, p = 0.384) did not show significant effects. Job satisfaction was positively influenced by autonomy and control (β = 0.206, p = 0.001), organisational benefits (β = 0.355, p < 0.001), and growth and development (β = 0.216, p = 0.004), while the effect of organisational rewards was non-significant (β = –0.044, p = 0.527). Job satisfaction had a significant positive impact on psychological wellbeing (β = 0.271, p = 0.001) and mediated the effects of autonomy and control (β = 0.056, p = 0.022), organisational benefits (β = 0.096, p = 0.005), and growth and development (β = 0.058, p = 0.048) on wellbeing, but not organisational rewards (β = –0.012, p = 0.550). Motivation significantly moderated the relationship between job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing (β = 0.102, p = 0.037), indicating that higher motivation strengthens this link. Conclusion: Fostering autonomy, offering meaningful benefits, and enhancing job satisfaction are crucial for improving nurses’ psychological wellbeing. Healthcare organisations should implement supportive policies and interventions to create empowering work environments that ultimately promote better psychological outcomes for nurses.
Keywords:
Employee Motivation, Job Satisfaction, Nurses, Psychological Contract, Psychological WellbeingDownloads
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