The Effect of Compulsory Citizenship Behaviors on Subjective Vitality Among Nurses

The study aims to assess the extent of compulsory citizenship behaviors (CCBs) and their impact on the nurses' subjective vitality based on self-determination theory.

CCBs are harmful to both nurses and organizations. These behaviors mean employees are expected to perform additional tasks outside their job descriptions. Although CCBs are highlighted within the recent nursing literature, empirical evidence of their effects is lacking.

This is descriptive cross-sectional research. The study included 244 staff nurses using a convenience sampling method who worked in two hospitals in Istanbul. Data were collected via a survey consisting of a personal information form, the compulsory citizenship scale, and the subjective vitality scale. STROBE guidelines were followed when reporting the study. Descriptive statistical analyses, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA test, Pearson's correlation, and hierarchical simple linear regression analyses were used.

The participants' mean scores for compulsory citizenship and subjective vitality were 3.34 out of 5 (SD = 1.05) and 4.15 out of 7 (SD = 1.36), respectively. Nurses' compulsory citizenship scores significantly differed according to their education level, income, and sector. Their subjective vitality scores statistically differed according to their income levels. Regression analysis revealed that CCBs were significant negative predictors of subjective vitality (β = -0.22, p < 0.01).

By examining the CCBs and subjective vitality relationship, the current study extended the existing knowledge by drawing attention to the destructive and harmful effects of CCBs on positive psychological sources of nurses' subjective vitality. CCBs negatively predicted subjective vitality.

Organizational factors such as CCBs, which leads to a lack of autonomy, affect nurses' well-being, thus affecting care quality and patient safety. As the International Council of Nurses mentioned, "Nurses cope with many physical, mental, emotional, and ethical challenges. It is essential that we address these challenges in a way that supports their overall health". In this regard, managers and policymakers in hospitals should develop preventive cautions for CCBs. However, in-service training activities should be carried out to increase awareness about the harmful effects of CCBs on nurses' psychological well-being.