The Relationship Between Negotiating Techniques, Conflict Management and Nurses’ Emotional Well-Being in Inpatient Healthcare Institutions

The article examines the relationships between the application of negotiating techniques, conflict management, the organisational environment, and emotional well-being among nurses working in inpatient healthcare institutions. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire, developed on the basis of previous scientific literature and validated theoretical models. Convenience sampling was applied. A total of 510 questionnaires were distributed, of which 384 were returned completed (the response rate was 75.3%). Respondents evaluated the questionnaire’s statements using a five-point Likert scale. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, while descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29. The study demonstrated the excellent internal consistency of the questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.943). Statistically significant positive associations were identified between negotiating techniques, conflict management, organisational environment and emotional well-being. The strongest relationship was observed between conflict management and the organisational environment (r = 0.523; p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that conflict management and the organisational environment were independently associated with nurses’ emotional well-being, whereas negotiating techniques did not reach statistical significance. The findings suggest that supportive organisational environments, constructive conflict management and respectful communication are associated with better emotional well-being among nurses. Considering that the study was based on a convenience sample and self-reported data collected in inpatient healthcare institutions in western Lithuania, the findings should be interpreted within these methodological limitations.