The effect of silent resignation on care behavior in nurses

Master's Thesis, Department of Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing Thesis Advisor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Esra Çaylak Altun June, 2025, xiii +103 pages Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the effect of quiet quitting—defined as the process in which nurses take on fewer responsibilities in the workplace and perform at a minimum level without disrupting work—on nurses' caring behaviors. Materials and Methods:This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 329 nurses working at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Research and Training Hospital between April 5 and December 1, 2024. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Quiet Quitting Attitude Scale (QQAS), and Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 (CBI-24). Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 software, employing t-tests, One-Way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results:The majority of participating nurses (60.8%) were between the ages of 21–31, 66.9% were female, and 58.4% were married. Additionally, 63.2% worked in rotating shifts and worked more than 40 hours per week. The level of quiet quitting was found to be moderate (2.63±0.43). The highest scores were obtained in the sub-dimensions of Lack of Communication, Distrust, Lack of Belonging, and Inconsistency, respectively. The level of caring behaviors was found to be high (5.29±0.62). Weak negative, and statistically significant correlation was found between the Quiet Quitting Attitude Scale and the Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 (r = -0.198; p < 0.001). vii Conclusion: An increase in quiet quitting levels leads to a decrease in nurses' caring behaviors. Factors such as work environment, shift system, perception of care quality, and individual characteristics influence quiet quitting. In this context, developing strategies to enhance nurses' organizational commitment and job satisfaction is important for maintaining the quality of patient care. Keywords: Caring behavior, Patient care quality, Nursing, Job satisfaction, Quiet quitting