The predictive effect of psychologcial and social capital on nurses' work engagement levels

This research, conducted to determine the predictive effect of psychological and social capital on nurses' work engagement levels, has a descriptive and correlational design. The study was carried out with 624 nurses working at a university hospital campus in Istanbul. Data were collected using the Information Form, Psychological Capital Scale Short Form, Social Capital Scale in Nursing, and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale Short Form (UİTÖ-9). Descriptive statistics, Independent sample t-test, One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multivariate linear regression analysis were used in the statistical analysis of the data. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. According to the research results, the average total scores of the nurses on the scales were as follows: psychological capital 60.26±7.68 (high), social capital 56.56±9.17 (above average), and work engagement 4.06±0.76 (high). There was a statistically significant and positive relationship between nurses' psychological capital (r=0.510; p<0.001) and social capital (r=0.656; p<0.001) levels and their work engagement levels. It was determined that as nurses' psychological and social capital levels increase, their work engagement levels also increase. Psychological and social capital levels, as determinants of nurses' work engagement levels, explain 48% (R² = 0.487) of the variance. The results of this research suggest that the work engagement behaviors of nurses working in health services are influenced by their psychological and social capital levels, which support their strengths. Therefore, it may be recommended to conduct studies focused on psychological and social capital to develop personal and organizational activities that may enhance work engagement behaviors, emphasizing organizational quality in work environments. Key Words: Psychological Capital, Social Capital, Work Engagement, Nursing, Work Environment