Factors Influencing Burnout of Nurses in Comprehensive Nursing Care Service Wards: Focusing on Positive Psychological Capital, Role Conflict, and Authentic Leadership

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the influence of positive psychological capital, role conflict, and authentic leadership on burnout among nurses working in comprehensive nursing care service wards of general hospitals. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 208 nurses from four general hospitals. Data were collected using structured questionnaires between September 26, 2024, and October 18, 2024, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results: Burnout showed a correlation with role conflict (r=.45, p<.001), positive psychological capital (r=-.62, p<.001) and authentic leadership (r=-.24, p<.001). In the regression analysis, the factors significantly associated with burnout included conflict with patients/guardians (β=.24, p<.001) and conflict regarding nursing practices (β=.22, p<.001), which are subdomains of role conflict. Among the components of positive psychological capital, optimism (β=-.37, p<.001) was identified as a significant protective factor against burnout. However, authentic leadership was not found to be a statistically significant predictor. Conclusion: To effectively manage nurse burnout, it is essential to develop strategic programs that focus on enhancing optimism. Furthermore, establishing clear delegation guidelines between nurses and nursing assistants is recommended.