The Statistical Significance of Embodied Experiences and Self-Care Practices on the Mental Health of Female Nurses in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic placed heavy demands on the bodyminds of healthcare workers in the United States, yet more targeted research is needed to uncover both the pandemic’s impact on nurses and the significance of self-care in managing that impact. Using quantitative data from a 2022 survey, we tested the statistical significance of the embodied experiences and self-care practices during the pandemic on female nurses’ overall mental health. We found that embodied experiences, a term we use to refer to how the nurses felt in their bodies and minds as they navigated life during the pandemic, have both positive and negative effects on their mental health, while self-care practices have a positive impact. Overall, the results have practical implications for healthcare institutions and training programs for nurses.