The Impact of Ethical Dilemmas and Ethical Sensitivity on Nurses' Psychological Empowerment
10.22650/JKCNR.2026.32.1.75
- Author:
Su Yeon BAE
1
;
Duk Yoo JUNG
Author Information
1. College of Nursing, Ewha Womans University Department of Nursing, Seoul National University Hospital
- From:
Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
2026;32(1):75-84
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study aims to identify the impact of nurses' ethical dilemmas and ethical sensitivity on psychological empowerment.
Methods:A descriptive correlational study was conducted with 126 registered nurses working in general wards of a tertiary hospital in Seoul who had at least one year of clinical experience.Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire from July 30 to August 10, 2025. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS/WIN 27.0, including descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression analysis.
Results:Factors influencing nurses’ psychological empowerment were ethical sensitivity (β=.36, p<.001) and day duty work schedule (three-shift rotation as the reference group) (β=.18, p=.041). The regression model explained 17.0% of the variance in nurses‘ psychological empowerment.
Conclusion:To enhance psychological empowerment among hospital nurses, healthcare institutions should implement ethics education programs that promote nurses’ ethical sensitivity. In addition, organizational strategies are needed to strengthen psychological empowerment among nurses working in shift-based schedules.
