COVID-19 Pandemic and Healthcare Workers’ Life and Job Satisfaction: The Role of Stress, Coping, and Self-Efficacy

<b>Background:</b> The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed unprecedented stress on healthcare workers (HCWs), potentially affecting their job satisfaction and life satisfaction. This study aimed to examine the role of perceived stress, self-efficacy, and coping strategies as predictors and mediators of well-being among HCWs during the pandemic. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 326 HCWs participated in the study. Perceived stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), self-efficacy was assessed with the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), life satisfaction was assessed with the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), job satisfaction was assessed with the Brief Job Satisfaction Scale (BJSS), and coping strategies were assessed with the Mini-COPE. Correlation, regression, and mediation analyses were conducted. <b>Results:</b> HCWs reported elevated stress levels (M ≈ 24), higher than general population norms. Stress was negatively associated with life satisfaction and job satisfaction. Self-efficacy and adaptive coping strategies (acceptance, social support) were positively associated with life and job satisfaction and mediated the relationship between stress and life satisfaction. Helplessness mediated the effect of stress on life satisfaction but not job satisfaction. <b>Conclusions:</b> High self-efficacy and adaptive coping strategies serve as protective factors for HCWs' well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions enhancing self-efficacy and promoting acceptance and social support may mitigate stress and improve life and job satisfaction.