Interaction with individuals with severe motor and intellectual disabilities and nurses' positive mental well-being

Severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID) involve intense physical and intellectual disabilities resulting in extreme dependence. Studies investigating the association between the experience of interacting with individuals with SMID and nurses' positive mental well-being are lacking. The comprehensive analysis of factors associated with the positive mental well-being of nurses who interact with individuals with SMID may enhance the nurses' quality of life and contribute to improving the quality of care provided to individuals with SMID.

We conducted a two-month cross-sectional online survey among 263 nurses at a university hospital in 2023. Happiness and resilience were measured using the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) and the short version of the Resilience Scale (RS-14), respectively. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between the interaction experience with individuals with SMID and the SHS and RS-14 scores, alongside other factors possibly influencing positive mental well-being.

Regarding subjective happiness, no factor related to individuals with SMID was significantly associated with the SHS scores. However, regarding resilience, the number of years spent engaging with them was positively associated with the RS-14 scores [regression coefficient (B), 2.401; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 0.073 to 4.728; p = 0.043].

Interaction experiences with individuals with SMID were not associated with subjective happiness; however, they were associated with resilience. Our findings suggest the necessity for nurses to establish sustainable relationships with individuals with SMID.