Navigating workplace uncertainty: a path analysis of perceived overqualification, covert narcissism, workplace alienation, and role ambiguity among nurses

Abstract

Background: Perceived overqualification is an emerging challenge in the nursing workforce, influencing job satisfaction, psychological well-being, and overall retention. This study aims to examine the relationships among perceived overqualification, covert narcissism, workplace alienation, and role ambiguity among nurses using path analysis to explore their interactions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 446 nurses from various Egyptian healthcare settings. Data was collected through structured face-to-face interviews using four validated instruments: the Scale of Perceived Overqualification (assessing subjective overqualification), Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale (measuring covert narcissism), Role Ambiguity Scale (evaluating clarity in job responsibilities), Work Alienation Scale (assessing workplace alienation), Additionally, a researcher-developed Demographic Questionnaire was used to collect participants’ background characteristics. Path analysis was conducted using AMOS 26.0 to test direct and indirect relationships among variables, with model fit assessed using standard indices. Results: Direct effects revealed that perceived overqualification significantly predicted workplace alienation (B = 0.401, 95% CI [0.311, 0.490], p