Page 139 - GHES-2-3

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Nurses’ perceived affective well-being at work

2.8. Data analysis their organization. However, they openly acknowledge

The primary researcher and an expert in IPA analyzed the their lack of acceptance or understanding of why such
data following the nine-step process outlined in the IPA alignment is required. The emotional strain of their work
methodology. The transcripts, typed verbatim in Word, has left nurses feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, leading
were used for analysis, and the IPA themes were synthesized them to question their professional and personal values,
(Love et al., 2020; Pietkiewicz & Smith, 2014). Each obligations, and responsibilities. Despite these pressures,
transcript was anonymized and independently analyzed they continue to work diligently.
before proceeding to the next stage. The idiographic Two group experiential themes (GETs), titled
approach inherent in the IPA method required each IPA “emotional dissonance” (ED) and “role dissonance” (RD),
expert to independently analyze the data and construct are directly associated with nurses’ affective wellbeing
the coding framework. Subsequently, they convened to in the workplace, as depicted in Figure 1. The emergent
compare findings and confirm code saturation for each theme or experiential statement (ES) (i) “negative feelings
group. Numbered lines in the transcripts were color-coded about self” contributes to the GET ED, while the ES
to facilitate the visual identification of supporting quotes. (ii) “negative feelings about others” reinforces the GET RD.
Emerging themes were documented in a journal, with clear The ES “negative feelings about self” emerged from four
steps to the analysis meticulously recorded (Dodgson, sub-themes or personal experiential themes (PET): burden
2019; Love et al., 2020; Miller et al., 2018). This approach of work, exhausted, frustrated, and unworthy. Meanwhile,
aided in reducing personal biases, thereby safeguarding the ES “negative feelings about others” emerged from two
the integrity of the emerging themes and subthemes. In PET: disillusioned and isolated.
addition, through systematic analysis, the researchers
meticulously documented commonalities and differences 3.1. ED
across the transcripts, thereby enriching the refinement 3.1.1. ED: Negative feelings about self
and validation of the data. This qualitative method in
psychology research was particularly well-suited for the Nurses exhibited signs of agitation, anger, and a generally
study’s objective, as it provided valuable insights into pessimistic attitude toward their work environment
how specific groups of nurses within a particular context and their own professional identity. Notably, this theme
comprehend their distinct circumstances. The idiographic revolves around nurses’ negative outlook and the emotional
emphasis of IPA aligns closely with the focus of this struggle to cope with the demands and pressures of their
research. work. Within this overarching theme, several sub-themes
emerged, including the burden of work, exhausted,
3. Results frustrated, and unworthy. The corresponding verbatim
Nurses, as employees, find motivation in the belief that extracts supporting these sub-themes are provided
their work is meaningful and that they are valuable and in Appendix A1. These nurses experience a sense of
significant. However, the data suggests that when nurses disconnection and detachment from both their work
feel “inadequate,” their motivation can be undermined. The and their own emotions, with their negativity evident
data analysis revealed that in their efforts to meet targets, throughout the extracts.
nurses may unintentionally undermine the perceived 3.1.2. ED1: Negative feelings about self - Burden of
importance of their work, which can lead to reduced work
confidence in the value of their contributions. The study
found that nurses often express negative feelings about This sub-theme pertains to nurses’ perception of the
themselves and their jobs. Notably, profound emotions such burden imposed by their workloads and their strategies
as emotional exhaustion, frustration, disillusionment, and for coping with escalating demands. Nurses expressed
feelings of being undervalued are prevalent in discussions concerns regarding the legislative requirements of their
among nurses with extensive work experience compared roles and the counterproductive paperwork they are
to those with fewer years in their roles (please refer to compelled to complete to safeguard both themselves
Appendices A1 and A2). The disappointment expressed by and their organizations. This aspect of the job, in their
these nurses is palpable in the transcripts reviewed during view, has significantly increased their workload beyond
the data analysis. It is also clear that emotional exhaustion, what is expected of a clinician. The relentless increase in
anxiety, and frustration are particularly pronounced workloads, paperwork, and training associated with these
among nurses who have been in the profession for more roles has raised questions about nurses’ role effectiveness
than 10 years (Begley, 1998). Nurses frequently discuss and the invisibility of some aspects of the job. Nurses also
the importance of aligning with the needs and values of expressed a belief that they were set up for failure in their

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2024) 4 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.3012