# Workplace violence, psychological capital, and professional identity among Chinese nursing interns: a latent profile and mediation analysis

## TL;DR

This study identifies different professional identity profiles among Chinese nursing interns and explores how workplace violence and psychological capital influence these identities.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach to understanding professional identity heterogeneity among nursing interns using latent profile and mediation analysis.

## Key findings

- Three distinct professional identity profiles were identified: identity deficient, moderate identity, and high identity-low autonomy.
- Workplace violence and psychological capital significantly influence professional identity categories.
- Psychological capital partially mediates the relationship between workplace violence and professional identity.

## Abstract

To identify latent professional identity profiles among nursing interns and to examine the influencing mechanisms of workplace violence (WPV) and psychological capital (PsyCap) on these profiles.

Developing a strong professional identity is crucial for nursing interns’ transition to clinical practice and addressing the global nursing shortage. However, professional identity formation varies, and its heterogeneity among interns remains poorly understood. Identifying distinct identity subgroups and clarifying influencing mechanisms can help provide tailored educational support.

Convenience sampling recruited 313 nursing interns from tertiary hospitals across 9 provinces in China between November 2023 and April 2024. The survey included general information questionnaires, workplace violence scales, professional identity questionnaire, and positive psychological capital questionnaire. Analyses of latent profiles and mediations were performed.

Among 301 participants, latent profile analysis revealed 3 distinct profiles: identity deficient (10.3%), moderate identity (47.2%), and high identity-low autonomy (42.5%). The results showed that self-efficacy, hope, and emotional abuse among nursing interns emerged as significant predictors of the category of professional identity (p < 0.001). The mediating effect value of PsyCap between WPV and professional identity was −0.171 (95% CI: −0.286 to −0.086), accounting for 63.10% of the total effect.

The analysis revealed heterogeneity in nursing interns’ professional identities. WPV and PsyCap are key factors influencing this heterogeneity, with PsyCap serving as a partial mediator. Targeted interventions based on identity profiles are recommended, alongside ensuring clinical safety and integrating PsyCap training into education to support the stability of the nursing workforce.