The relationship between alexithymia, communication skills and mental well-being of nurses' in Turkey: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study is to examine the relationship between alexithymia, communication skills, and mental well-being of nurses. MethodsThis descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 272 nurses working in a hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the “Introductory Information Form”, “Health Professionals Communication Skills Scale”, “Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale”, and “Toronto Alexithymia Scale”. Mean and percentage distributions as well as Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The STROBE checklist was used to report this study. ResultsIt was determined that non-alexithymic nurses had higher mean scores communication skills and in mental well-being compared to alexithymic nurses. The nurses' alexithymia scores were negatively correlated with their communication skills and mental well-being scores. On the other hand, their nurses' mental well-being scores were positively correlated with their communication skills scores. Communication skills and mental well-being of the nurses accounted for 38.5 % of their alexithymia levels. ConclusionsIt is recommended that awareness-based interventions be carried out since increasing the emotional awareness of nurses will contribute to the development of their professional skills as well as their positive psychological effects.