The Mediating Effect Model of Nurses’ Sense of Perceived Overqualification, Professional Identity, and Job Burnout: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: To explore the mediating role of professional identity in the relationship between perceived overqualification and job burnout. Background: Limited research has been conducted on the association between perceived overqualification, professional identity, and job burnout, particularly among specialized healthcare professionals, such as nurses. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 476 nurses. The survey instruments included the perceived overqualification questionnaire, occupational identity scale, and job burnout scale. Structural equation models were used to build the model. This study was used in the STROBE checklist. Results: The associations between perceived overqualification, professional identity, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment were significant (p < 0.001). In the mediation models, professional identity partially mediated the relationship between perceived overqualification and emotional exhaustion (indirect effect 0.146, p < 0.001; direct effect 0.201, p < 0.001; total effect 0.347, p < 0.001) and between perceived overqualification and depersonalization (indirect effect 0.219, p < 0.001; direct effect 0.174, p < 0.001; total effect 0.393, p < 0.001). Professional identity plays a total mediating role between perceived overqualification and personal accomplishment (indirect effect 0.046, p < 0.001; direct effect 0.171, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Perceived overqualification significantly correlates with job burnout among nurses. Professional identity mediates the relationship between perceived overqualification and job burnout. Implications for nursing and nursing policy: By considering role adjustment and career development, nursing administrators can mitigate occupational burnout by implementing evidence-based strategies, optimizing person–job matching mechanisms, and creating professional achievement recognition programs to enhance the perception of professional meaning. Ultimately, this comprehensive approach contributes to the sustainable development of the healthcare industry and advances human health outcomes by improving nursing workforce stability and service excellence.