Work-Life Balance and Psychological Well-Being Among Nurses: A Systematic Literature Review

Background Work–life balance (WLB) plays a crucial role in sustaining nurses’ psychological well-being (PWB), particularly in developing countries where high workloads, limited resources, and cultural expectations intensify work-family pressures. Although research on WLB and PWB has grown significantly, findings remain fragmented across regions. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the relationship between WLB and PWB among nurses in diverse cultural and organizational contexts. Methods This review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Five major databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, SAGE, and Scimago) were searched for studies published between 2019 and 2025. Eligible studies were empirical, peer-reviewed, focused on nurses, examined WLB-PWB relationships, conducted in developing countries, and available in full text. Data extraction used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) template, and methodological quality was assessed with the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool. Due to heterogeneity in study designs, a meta-narrative synthesis approach was employed. Results Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Most applied cross-sectional methods and used validated tools such as the Work-Life Balance Scale, Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale, and WHO-5. Findings consistently demonstrated a strong positive association between WLB and PWB, with a pooled correlation of r = 0.52. Mediating factors included job satisfaction, psychological capital, resilience, and organizational support. Key contributors to poor WLB were high workload, unstable shift systems, staffing shortages, and COVID-19-related stressors. Risk-of-bias assessment indicated low–moderate methodological concerns. Conclusions This review provides robust evidence that WLB is a key predictor of nurses’ psychological well-being in developing-country contexts. Strengthening WLB through supportive leadership, equitable workload distribution, flexible scheduling, and targeted mental health interventions may enhance resilience, reduce burnout, and improve quality of care. Future research should employ longitudinal and interventional designs to explore causal pathways and cultural moderators of the WLB–PWB relationship.