Self-efficacy of psychiatric nurses and its influencing factors in Guangdong China

Abstract

Self-efficacy is a critical factor influencing quality of care, particularly for psychiatric nurses at higher occupational risk; however, research on its current status and influencing factors among the nursing population in China remains scarce. This study aimed to investigate the self-efficacy level of psychiatric nurses in Guangdong Province and to analyze its influencing factors. This cross-sectional study utilized convenience sampling to survey psychiatric nurses from 27 hospitals in Guangdong Province, China, between January and May 2022. Self-efficacy was assessed using a validated General Self-efficacy Scale. Univariate and linear regression analyses were used to explore factors influencing self-efficacy among psychiatric nurses. The General Self-efficacy Scale score of the 668 participants was 25.25 ± 5.90. When comparing the self-efficacy scores of psychiatric nurses of different ages, genders, working years, positions, number of night shifts, and whether they were assisted by unlicensed assistive personnel, the differences were statistically significant ( P < .05). Age, gender, and the presence of unlicensed assistive personnel assistance were influencing factors of self-efficacy ( P < .001). The study’s findings are consistent with theoretical derivations from Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, demonstrating that higher self-efficacy was associated with advanced age, male sex, and unlicensed assistive personnel support. Therefore, targeted interventions focusing on female and junior nurses, including team structure optimization and specific training, are suggested to improve collective self-efficacy among psychiatric nurses.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Medicine, 2026 · DOI ↗