The Impact of Grit on Nurses’ Job Performance: Evaluating Chained Mediation through Perceived Social Support and Self-Esteem

Abstract

Background. Nurses play a critical role in the medical workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic while facing various difficulties and challenges. Grit, social support, and self-esteem are important psychosocial factors influencing job performance. However, few studies have explored the relationships among these factors in nurses. Aim. This study aimed to examine the association between grit and nurses’ job performance during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore the potential chain mediation through perceived social support and self-esteem. Methods. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. From January 2021 to May 2022, a total of 709 Chinese nurses in Chengdu and Kunming completed a web-based cross-sectional survey, which included standard assessments on grit, perceived social support, self-esteem, and job performance as well as Big Five personalities. The chain mediation model was tested using the PROCESS macro program in the SPSS software. Results. There was a moderate-to-large correlation (r = 0.40, $p<0.001$) between grit and job performance in Chinese nurses. Furthermore, grit was indirectly linked to job performance through the chain mediating effect of perceived social support and self-esteem (all $p<0.05$). These findings persisted even when Big Five personalities were included as additional controlling variables. Conclusions. This study reveals a stable link between grit and job performance among Chinese nurses and highlights the potential role of perceived social support and self-esteem in mediating this link. Implications for Nursing Management. Nursing managers can improve nurses’ grit level and provide a supportive organizational environment conducive to enhancing self-esteem and thereby promoting their job performance.