Factors Influencing Posttraumatic Growth among Nurses in COVID-19 Isolation Wards in Tertiary Hospitals

Purpose: This study investigated the factors influencing posttraumatic growth (PTG) among nurses who worked in COVID-19 isolation wards in tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive correlation research design was used. In total, 190 nurses who had worked with COVID-19-infected patients participated in the study. Their demographic characteristics, self-disclosure, resilience, social support, and PTG were examined using a structured online questionnaire administered from March 16 to 25, 2022. Data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 27.0. Results: The mean scores for self-disclosure, resilience, social support, and PTG were 42.79 (range: 12~60), 60.92 (range: 0~100), 46.98 (range: 12~60), and 45.66 (range: 0~80), respectively. Self-disclosure (β=.18, p=.003) and resilience (β=.65, p<.001) significantly influenced PTG, explaining 55% of the total variance in this variable. Conclusion: This study highlights the need to systematically develop and implement effective intervention programs to strengthen nurses' self-disclosure and resilience.