“Crab Mentality Among Academic Nurses: If I Can’t Do It, You Can’t Do It.”

Aim: This study aims to explore academic nurses’ perceptions and experiences about crab mentality, as well as how they experience and cope with its challenges. Material and Method: This study adopted a phenomenological design, a qualitative research method. The study was conducted between April 10 and May 10, 2022. The sample consisted of 15 academic nurses from two universities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview form. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, while the qualitative data were analyzed using qualitative data analysis software. Results: Participants had a mean age of 40.20 ± 4.19 years and an average of 16.93 ± 5.67 years of work experience. The interviews revealed four main themes and ten subthemes. The results showed that participants experienced physiological, emotional, and social problems due to crab mentality in their workplaces, driven by rivalry, jealousy, and resentment. Conclusion: Crab mentality is prevalent among academic nurses. Therefore, authorities should develop interventions to create an ethical environment where managers and employees can communicate effectively. Working in an environment with crab mentality can harm academic nurses both psychologically and physically. Prolonged exposure to high-stress environments can lead to chronic stress, fatigue, and burnout, which negatively affect physical health by weakening the immune system and increasing vulnerability to stress-related illnesses. Research highlights the link between chronic stress and reduced productivity, as well as decreased job satisfaction. Implementing stress management strategies in the workplace can prevent these adverse effects, improving employee well-being, work efficiency, and overall organizational performance.