OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the potential association between core self-evaluation and the burnout syndrome among Chinese nurses, and the mediating role of coping styles in this relationship.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Shenyang, China, from May to July, 2013.A questionnaire which consisted of the Platters Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), the Core Self-Evaluation Scale (CSE), and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (CSQ), was completed by a total of 1,559 nurses.
Hierarchical linear regression analyses and the Sobel test were performed to determine the mediating role of coping styles on the relationship between CSE and burnout.RESULTS: Nurses who had higher self-evaluation characteristics, reported less emotional exhaustion and cynicism, and higher professional efficacy.Coping style had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between CSE and the burnout syndrome among nurses.
CONCLUSIONS: Core self-evaluation had Pads and Mats effects on burnout and coping style was a mediating factor in this relationship among Chinese nurses.Therefore, the improvement of coping strategies may be helpful in the prevention of burnout among nurses, thus enhancing professional performance.