Subjective wellbeing in UK mental health nurses: findings from a mixed methods research study

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paperpeer-review

1482 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The conference presentation will focus on a discussion of the results of this study, following a thematic thread from the survey to the interview findings.Background: The study of subjective wellbeing(SWB), or happiness, has gained inter- national research prominence in recent years with it being seen increasingly as a marker of national prosperity (Dolan, Layard & Metcalfe, 2011). This is the first published study of UK mental health nurses using validated SWB measures.Aims: The aim of the study was to measure the SWB of UK mental health nurses, and to identify how nurses with high SWB looked after their own mental health.Methods: This was a mixed methods study. Data was collected between November 2012 and February 2014. In part one a national sample of 237 UK mental health nurses took part in an online survey using three different measures of SWB, including the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (Tennant et al, 2007). In part two a purposive sample of 27 mental health nurses with high SWB were interviewed regarding their mental health and happiness.Results: Study participants had a relatively low SWB compared to national population samples, Happy mental health nurses associated certain activities and attitudes with their SWB. It was associated with spending time in nature, taking exercise, listening to and playing music and practicing mindfulness, reality acceptance, valuing the self and seeking out pleasurable experiences.Discussion: This study has implications for occupational health and human resources policy within healthcare organisations. The findings should inform the content of staff ‘happiness strategies’ and occupational health promotion activities.Conclusion: This is the first study looking specifically as SWB in UK mental health nurses. It provides new insights into how mental health nurses perceive their own happiness, and what can be done to maintain and enhance it.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRCN international nursing research conference 2016
PublisherRoyal College of Nursing
Publication statusPublished - 8 Apr 2016
EventRCN Research Conference April 2016 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Duration: 6 Apr 20168 Apr 2016

Conference

ConferenceRCN Research Conference April 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityEdinburgh
Period6/04/20168/04/2016

Keywords

  • nursing; wellbeing; workforce; mixed methods

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Subjective wellbeing in UK mental health nurses: findings from a mixed methods research study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this