The Mediating Role of Resilience Between Vicarious Trauma, Compassion Fatigue and Moral Injury of Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A Structural Equation Model

Abstract

Background: Nurses possess the capacity to deliver exceptional care, but their ability is greatly affected by the related issues of vicarious trauma (VT), compassion fatigue (CF), and moral injury (MI). Nurses have inherent resilience despite the challenges, enabling them to confront and overcome these difficulties with determination and professionalism. This study explored the role of resilience as a mediator between the effects of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and moral injury among nurses in Saudi Arabia. Methods: In this study, 511 staff nurses were recruited from three hospitals in Hail, Saudi Arabia. The research was conducted using a quantitative correlation cross-sectional design, and a structural equation model (SEM) was developed, guided by the STROBE criteria. The participants were selected through consecutive sampling. Results: The findings demonstrate that vicarious trauma positively affects resilience, compassion fatigue, and moral injury. Resilience has a positive impact on both compassion fatigue and moral injury. Furthermore, compassion fatigue directly influences moral injury. Conclusion: Our study found that resilience is the strongest predictor of CF, while CF has the greatest impact on MI.