Psychological distress, emotional expression and conflict resolution strategies among nurses: a cross-sectional study in an occupational context based on the conservation of resources theory

Objectives. This study examined nurses’ conflict resolution styles (integration, compromise, accommodating, dominating and avoidance) and investigated the relationships between emotional expression (happiness, sadness and anger), psychological distress (stress, anxiety and depression) and conflict resolution styles. Methods. The cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2020 and April 2022 among nurses working in two public hospitals in Türkiye. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the emotional expression scale (EES), conflict resolution styles scale (CRS) and depression anxiety stress scale – 21 (DASS-21). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed using R software. Results. Nurses reported relatively low levels of constructive conflict resolution. Positive emotional expression was associated with integration and compromise, whereas higher psychological distress was associated with avoidance and dominating. Overall, nurses expressing more positive emotions tended to adopt more constructive conflict resolution strategies, while greater psychological distress was associated with less adaptive approaches. Conclusion. Emotional expression and psychological distress were significantly associated with nurses’ conflict resolution styles. Organizational initiatives that promote emotional regulation, stress management and conflict resolution skills may strengthen teamwork, improve workplace communication and, ultimately, enhance patient care.