Technostress Creators and Inhibitors: Dual Impacts on Nurses' Psychological and Work Outcomes

As healthcare systems continue to adopt digital technologies, nurses are increasingly exposed to technostress-a form of psychological strain associated with the use of technology. This study aimed to assess the levels of technostress among nurses and examine the direct and buffered relationships between technostress creators, technostress inhibitors and work outcomes including strain, job satisfaction, organisational commitment and continuance commitment.

A descriptive correlational study.

A convenience sample of 250 nurses was recruited from a Saudi hospital. Data were collected using validated self-administered questionnaires measuring technostress dimensions and outcomes. Statistical analyses included correlation, regression and structural equation modelling to assess direct and mediated relationships.

Nurses reported moderate levels of technostress creators (2.75 ± 0.61) and technostress inhibitors (3.64 ± 0.59). Technostress creators were negatively associated with job satisfaction and commitment and positively linked to strain, while technostress inhibitors demonstrated the opposite pattern. Structural equation modelling confirmed that technostress creators directly increased strain (B = 0.85) and reduced job satisfaction, organisational and continuance commitment (B = -0.76 to -0.77). Technostress inhibitors not only positively influenced job satisfaction (B = 0.01) and organisational commitment (B = 0.02) but also partially mediated the relationships between technostress creators and work outcomes, validating the stress-buffering hypothesis.

Technostress is a significant challenge in digital healthcare settings, contributing to strain and diminished job engagement. However, supportive mechanisms such as digital training and technical assistance can mitigate these effects, play a protective role and enhance well-being.

Addressing technostress is vital for nurses' well-being. Health systems should prioritise digital literacy and resilience programs, real time technical support and active nurse participation in digital system design to enhance retention, engagement and quality of patient care.

This study advances understanding of technology-related psychological burden in nursing by validating the dual-pathway mechanism through which technostress affects workforce outcomes. The findings inform evidence-based interventions for hospital leaders and policymakers to develop supportive digital environments that sustain workforce performance, well-being and digital resilience in increasingly technology-driven healthcare settings.

The study followed the STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional research.

This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.