Influence of Work-Life Balance on Mental Health Among Nurses: The Mediating Role of Psychological Capital and Job Satisfaction

Background: Nurses constitute the backbone of the healthcare sector, often confronting elevated levels of work-related stress and emotional demands that can profoundly impact their mental well-being. Mental health is critical to nursing practice as it directly influences job performance, patient care quality, and workforce sustainability. This study examines the effects of work-life balance on the mental health of nurses in Pakistan while examining the intermediary effects of psychological capital and job satisfaction. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from twenty-seven public and private hospitals in Multan, Pakistan, between December 2023 and March 2024. The research employed meticulously validated measurement tools: Work-Life Balance (WLB) Scale, Psychological Capital Questionnaire 12 (PCQ-12), Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), and General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12) to collect data on 578 participants. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and AMOS to investigate direct and indirect relationships among study constructs. Results: The results indicated that work-life balance positively influences both psychological capital ((3 = 0.083, p < 0.05) and job satisfaction ((3 = 0.113, p < 0.01), which, in turn, significantly contributes to better mental health outcomes among nurses. Sequential mediation analysis confirmed that psychological capital and job satisfaction (Indirect effect=0.022, 95% CI: 0.01-0.037) mediate between work-life balance and mental health, suggesting that a healthy work-life balance enhances psychological resources and job satisfaction, thereby improving mental health. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of fostering a supportive work environment within the nursing community that promotes work-life balance, enhances psychological resources, and improves job satisfaction to maintain nurses' overall mental health.