Psychological Capital and Work Engagement Among Mental Health Nurses in Saudi Arabia: The Mediation Role of Motivation at Work

BACKGROUND: Mental health nurses (MHNs) often work in challenging work environments that can affect their emotional well-being and job performance. The high work demands, stress, and limited resources could influence MHNs' psychological capital (PsyCap), motivation, and engagement. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between PsyCap and work engagement (WE), with a focus on the mediating role of motivation at work (MAW) among MHNs. METHODS: This study used a descriptive multivariate correlational design. A convenience sample was used to recruit 210 MHNs from a psychiatric hospital in Saudi Arabia in western region. MHNs completed three validated online questionnaires: the Psychological Capital Questionnaire-Short Version (PCQ-12), the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9), and the Motivation at Work Scale (MAWS). Data were analyzed using R software, performing descriptive and inferential tests and structural equation modeling (SEM). RESULTS: PsyCap showed a positive relationship with MAW (r = 0.67, p < 0.001) and WE (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). MAW was strongly associated with WE (r = 0.87, p < 0.001). SEM revealed that the influence of PsyCap on WE was fully mediated by MAW (direct path ß = 0.00. p = 0.938; indirect ß = 0.74, p < 0.001). The result showed that professional title predicts MAW and WE; age and educational level were predictors of PsyCap. CONCLUSION: PsyCap contributes to higher levels of WE among MHNs, with MAW playing a central mediating role. These findings highlight the importance of motivation in enabling psychological resources to be translated into WE. Therefore, targeted interventions that focus on enhancing MAW may improve WE, enhance nurse retention, and improve patient outcomes.