Preliminary Clustering: Exploring the Interplay of Burnout, Stress, Turnover, Psychological Flexibility and Distress in a French Nurse Sample

ABSTRACT

Objective

To identify latent profiles of hospital nurses based on the combination of occupational demands, psychological symptoms and psychological flexibility. Examine how these profiles relate to job turnover intentions.

Design

Cross-sectional online survey.

Methodology

Registered nurses in France completed an online questionnaire between June and August 2024. The questionnaire covered various aspects of job satisfaction and stress. A non-hierarchical cluster analysis was then conducted on 12 standardised variables to derive profiles. Next, appropriate group-comparison tests and sensitivity checks were performed. No abbreviations or references are used here.

Results

Two profiles emerged. One profile showed a higher workload, greater emotional demands, increased stress and psychological distress, burnout and a lower level of psychological flexibility, as well as a higher intention to leave. The other profile showed lower demands and symptoms, higher psychological flexibility and a lower intention to leave. Group differences on core variables were statistically significant and sensitivity analyses indicated a stable solution.

Conclusions

Person-centred profiles reveal distinct combinations of demands, symptoms and psychological flexibility meaningfully linked to nurses' intention to leave. These findings suggest opportunities for targeted organisational adjustments and brief skills training to strengthen psychological flexibility and retention.

Impact

Health-service leaders can use brief screening to identify at risk profiles and align interventions. Policymakers can consider staff and scheduling policies to reduce demand in high-risk units. Educators can incorporate psychological skills into training programmes to promote workforce sustainability.