The mediating role of work–life balance on the relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction among Lebanese critical care nurses

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In healthcare settings, particularly in intensive care units, nurses face significant stress due to the high demands of their job. This stress can impact their job satisfaction, mental health, and overall quality of life. Emotional intelligence has been identified as a crucial factor that can mitigate workplace stress and enhance job satisfaction. Moreover, work-life balance is increasingly recognized as a critical factor influencing job satisfaction in the nursing profession. AIM: Our study aims at understanding the mediating effect of work-life balance between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction in Lebanese nurses working in the Intensive Care Unit. STUDY DESIGN: This study has a cross-sectional design. METHODS: Nurses working in intensive care units of one hospital (n = 100) were asked to fill an online questionnaire which included the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, Work-Life Balance Self-Assessment Scale, and Job Satisfaction Scale. RESULTS: Work Interference with Personal Life and Personal Life Interference with Work acted as significant mediators between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction. Specifically, the direct role of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction was found to be significant, with work interference with personal life (β = .02, SE = .01, p = .001) and personal life interference with work (β = .02, SE = .01, p = .002) showing significant indirect roles. Higher emotional intelligence was directly and significantly associated with more job satisfaction (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores the potential benefits of emotional intelligence training and work-life balance promotion in enhancing nurses' job satisfaction. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Pending future longitudinal studies, findings cautiously imply that targeting work-life balance could help foster the positive connection between emotional intelligence and Job Satisfaction among nurses. Accordingly, healthcare administrators should prioritize policies that promote flexible scheduling, sufficient staffing levels, and mental health resources, which are essential for maintaining a balance between professional obligations Job Satisfaction and personal life.