Abstract
Background: A nurse with a strong professional self-concept likely feels competent and effective in their clinical judgments and care delivery. This sense of mastery and professional worth may directly counteract feelings of helplessness and inefficacy that are central to mental illness.
Aim: To explore the relation of Nurses’ professional self-concept with their mental health (depression, anxiety, & stress), for nurturing healthier nursing workforce that directly translates into a healthier population.
Methodology: The study was conducted in tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan using Analytical Cross-Sectional study design. The calculated sample size was n=290 selected via Non-Probability Convenience Sampling Technique. An informed consent was presented, and anonymity was guaranteed to all the participants. Data were collected using a structured self-reported questionnaire consist of Demographic variables, DASS-21 i.e Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and Nursing self- Concept Instrument. Pearson-R was applied to find the association between NPSC, depression, anxiety, and stress. Linear Regression test was applied to predict the changes in the dependent variables i.e depression, anxiety and stress caused by the independent variables (Nurse’s professional self-concept).
Result: Nurse’s professional self-concept (NPSC) was significantly and negatively correlated with depression, r (288) = –0.65, p < 0.001, stress, r (288) = –0.61, p < 0.001, and anxiety, r (288) = –0.58, p < 0.001. In regression analysis, the unstandardized coefficient (B = -0.450) means that for every 1 unit increase in professional self-concept, the depression and anxiety score decreases by 0.45 units, whereas stress decrease by 0.368 (B = -0.368).
Conclusion: Healthcare organizations must cultivate a supportive culture that genuinely values the nursing role by providing meaningful recognition, creating avenues for nurses to participate in decision-making, and investing in continuous professional growth. This will enhance nurses perceived support and sense of belonging is an external motivation to enhance their professional self-concept.