An Analysis of Psychological Capital and Influencing Factors Among Disaster Care Reservists

Introduction: In recent years, with the frequent occurrence of public health emergencies, various infectious diseases and natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, and fires have placed a burden on global public health and health care systems, especially on health care workers. This study aimed to investigate the current state of psychological capital among disaster care reservists and the factors influencing it.

Methods: Between January and February 2024, a total of 330 members of the disaster nursing reserve team from 4 tertiary general hospitals in Mianyang, China, were surveyed using an online platform named Wenjuanxing to obtain information on general demographics, psychological capital, and job burnout.

Results: The total score of psychological capital was 91.10 ± 16.15. Psychological capital was negatively correlated with emotional depletion dimension and depersonalization dimension scores (P < .01) and positively correlated with personal achievement dimension scores (P < .01). The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that the psychological capital of members in disaster nursing reserve teams was influenced by various factors such as their marital status, having children, work experience in the department, level of public recognition and respect, number of disaster relief trainings, participation in disaster relief activities, types of disaster relief activities, and level of job burnout (P < .05). This accounted for 48.9% of the total variation.

Discussion: The psychological capital of disaster nursing reserve team members is affected by several aspects, which warrant great attention. Relevant management departments should adopt appropriate strategies to effectively mobilize their self-efficacy, improve their professional identity and sense of achievement, and enhance their psychological capital level.