The Relationship Between Spiritual Well‐Being and Nurses’ Caring Behaviors: Examining the Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction Among Iranian Nurses

AIM(S): To examine both direct and mediated relationships between spiritual well-being (SWB) and caring behaviors among Iranian nurses, with a focus on the potential mediating role of job satisfaction. BACKGROUND: SWB is a key aspect of nurses' professional well-being. In Iran, SWB encompasses a mix of religious, existential, and cultural elements that may impact job satisfaction and caring behaviors. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 with 200 nurses from four public hospitals in northern Iran, recruited via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic survey and three validated scales: the Caring Behaviors Inventory (CBI), the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), and the Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS). Statistical analysis included t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Model fit was assessed using established goodness-of-fit indices. RESULTS: SWB was directly and positively associated with both caring behaviors (β = 0.45, p < .01) and job satisfaction (β = 0.34, p < .001). The total effect of SWB on caring behaviors was significant (β = 0.48, p < .001). The indirect effect of SWB on caring behaviors through job satisfaction was not statistically significant (β = 0.03, p = .227), indicating that the indirect pathway via job satisfaction was not significant and mediation was not supported. No significant differences were found across demographic groups. DISCUSSION: Findings highlight the direct impact of SWB on nurses' caring behaviors and job satisfaction. Although positively linked, job satisfaction does not explain the pathway from SWB to caring. CONCLUSION: SWB directly enhances both job satisfaction and caring behaviors among Iranian nurses, but job satisfaction did not mediate this relationship. Promoting SWB may foster compassionate, high-quality patient care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND NURSING POLICY: Nurses' spiritual and existential wellbeing should be recognised as part of workforce wellbeing and quality care strategies. Nurse managers and educators can support this through culturally sensitive reflective spaces, spiritual care education and access to appropriate pastoral or religious support.Nursing policy should embed spiritual care competence and staff wellbeing support into curricula, professional development and organisational standards, ensuring that such support is inclusive, voluntary and respectful of diverse beliefs.