The moderating role of psychological capital and organizational support in work-family conflict and the well-being of nurses

Abstract

Objective: Based on the Theory of Job Demands-Resources, this study examined whether individual work resources (positive psychological capital) and organizational resources (perceived organizational support) moderate the relationship between work demands (work-family conflict) and the desired work outcome (psychological well-being). Materials and Methods: Descriptive, comparative, correlational, and confirmatory cross-sectional study was conducted using non-probabilistic convenience sampling that included 40 primary care nurses from Portugal with data collected by EuSurvey between July and September 2024. Six culturally validated and adapted instruments with adequate reliability levels were used for data collection: 1) Sociodemographic questionnaire to identify general characteristics, professional and family context; 2) Work-Family Scale by Carlson et al. to assess work-family conflict; 3) Scale adapted by Santos and Gonçalves to measure perceived organizational support; 4) Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9) by Schaufeli and Bakker to measure work engagement; 5) Compound PsyCap Scale (CPC-12) by Lorenz et al. to measure psychological capital; and 6) Ryff Scale to assess psychological well-being. Results: Most participants were women over 51 years of age, in a relationship, with children, working full-time, and 50% of participants had a support network. Psychological capital was the only factor that moderated the relationship between work-family conflict and psychological well-being. Conclusions: Nurses without a support network reported higher levels of work-family conflict, while those with social support showed higher levels of psychological well-being and perceived organizational support. These results highlight the importance of implementing organizational interventions that promote the development of psychological capital, such as programs that strengthen self-efficacy, resilience, optimism, and hope.