The effect of sensitivity to emotional contagion on individual and organizational outcomes in nurses: A cross-sectional and correlational study

Background: Nurses are at risk due to emotional demands and the possibility of physical and mental health deterioration. This is because they often have to care for physically or mentally vulnerable patients. This study aimed to examine the effect of sensitivity to emotional contagion on nurses’ physical health, mental health (individual outcomes), job performance, and quality of nursing care (organizational outcomes). Methods: A correlational and cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected between September 2020 and January 2022. The study sample consisted of 357 nurses working in Türkiye and 465 patients hospitalized in units where these nurses provided care. The data pertaining to the nurses were collected by the General Information Questionnaire-Nurse, the Emotional Contagion Scale, the Physical and Mental Health Scale, the Job Performance Scale. The data pertaining to the patients were collected by the General Information Questionnaire-Patient and the Care Behaviors Inventory-24. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and simple regression analysis. Results: Pearson correlation analysis showed a statistically significant, very weak positive correlation between sensitivity to emotional contagion and mental health. There was no significant correlation between the nurses' sensitivity to emotional contagion and the quality of care perceived by the patients, examined as physical health, job performance. Regression analysis showed that sensitivity to emotional contagion had a statistically significant negative effect on nurses' mental health. Conclusion The data showed sensitivity to emotional contagion and poor mental health among the nurses. Sensitivity to emotional contagion negatively affects nurses’ mental health. Despite the presence of sensitivity to emotional contagion and poor mental health of the nurses, work performance and quality of care perceived by the patient were high. It may show that nurses do not display the negativity they experience in their care behaviors. Nurse managers should develop supportive systems in the workplace to support the continuity of quality care.