The Mediating Role of Psychological Well-Being in the Relationship Between Gaslighting at the Workplace and Occupational Burnout Among Nurses

Psychological well-being refers to an individual’s ability to realize one’s potential and manage one’s challenges. Gaslighting is a type of emotional and psychological abuse, and its occurrence at the workplace can negatively impact psychological well-being, lead to burnout, and turnover. This study aimed to examine the relationship between gaslighting, occupational burnout, and psychological well-being, and the latter’s mediating role in this relationship. In total, 443 nurses were recruited between January 26, 2026, and February 13, 2026, using purposive sampling. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics and using the Gaslighting at Work Scale, Psychological Well-Being Scale, and Maslach Burnout Inventory. Structural equation modeling and bootstrap techniques were used for analysis. Gaslighting at the workplace had a significant positive effect on occupational burnout (β = 480; p < 0.05), and a significant negative one on psychological well-being (β = −0.160; p < 0.05), while psychological well-being had a significant and negative effect on occupational burnout (β = −0.320; p < 0.05). Gaslighting at the workplace affected occupational burnout directly (β = 480; p < 0.05), and indirectly (β = 0.050; p < 0.05) by reducing employees’ psychological well-being. Psychological well-being seems to partially mediate the relationship between workplace gaslighting and occupational burnout.