The Power of Self‐Efficacy in Fostering Caring Self‐Efficacy and Overcoming Job‐Related Stress and Perceived Stigma Among Psychiatric Nurses

Abstract

AIM: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a self-efficacy-based intervention in enhancing caring self-efficacy, reducing job-related stress and decreasing perceived stigma among psychiatric nurses. METHODS: A parallel-arm RCT was conducted between July and November 2023. Seventy psychiatric nurses were randomized 1:1 to an intervention group (n = 35) receiving eight structured self-efficacy sessions or a control group (n = 35) receiving treatment as usual. Outcomes were measured using the Caring Efficacy Scale, Psychiatric Nurses Job Stress Scale and Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination Scale (stigma) at baseline, postintervention, and 3 months later. RESULTS: The intervention group showed significant improvements in caring self-efficacy, with Caring Efficacy Scale scores increasing from 69.83 ± 23.90 preintervention to 98.20 ± 27.92 postintervention (p < 0.001, effect size = 0.537), and remaining elevated 3 months later (95.06 ± 27.31, p < 0.001), while the control group scores showed no significant change. Job stress scores decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to controls across all Psychiatric Nurses Job Stress Scale subscales (p < 0.001). The proportion of participants reporting high perceived stigma dropped significantly from 71.4% preintervention to 2.9% postintervention (p < 0.001, effect size = 0.760), sustained at 3 months. CONCLUSION: Findings support integrating self-efficacy training into psychiatric nursing professional development; such an intervention may enhance nurses' psychological well-being and ultimately improve the quality of patient care in clinical settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier Code: NCT05952414).