SHBC1317
Z.Q.LI1, S.E. KOH1, H.ZHENG1
Institute of Mental Health1
Motivation is an important construct related to both performance and intention to quit. Nurses’ motivation in the medical setting was presented in numerous studies. Role requirements and experiences of nurses in mental health settings are significantly different from nurses in a medical setting, which may infer unique levels and factors for their motivation. This study aimed to explore the motivation levels and the contributing factors of nurses in a mental health inpatient setting.
A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed. An online questionnaire consists of demographics, Motivation at Work Scale, Motivation Source Index and a self-designed questionnaire of perception of leadership was used.
Nurses (n=364) reported a generally comparable level of motivation comparing to the international samples, with a higher level of introjected regulation. Internal self-concept was found to be more influencing to local nurses’ motivation. Multiple regression found self-efficacy, gender, work relationship, designation, leadership, autonomy, educational level and year of services are valid factors in ranking of the estimates (R2=.489). Nurse leaders shared generalized lower level of motivation sources. Nurses originated from Singapore and India, Malaysia and China, Myanmar and Philippines shared similar profiles of motivation sources, respectively. Nurses in service for 10-15 years experienced the lowest level of motivation at work.
An acceptable model of motivation source of nurses working in mental health settings was provided. Future strategic intervention in areas of self-efficacy, work relationship and leadership could be continuously developed and enhanced to support nurses’ motivation. Nurse leaders’ motivation could be further studied to inform future supportive interventions.
