The mediating role of psychological needs on the relationship between perceived organizational support and work engagement

Aim To examine the mediating effect of basic psychological needs on the relationship between perceived organizational support and work engagement among nurses. Background The satisfaction of basic psychological needs is crucial for breeding and sustaining individuals' intrinsic motivation. Little is known about the underlying motivational mechanisms that explain the relationship among perceived organizational support, basic psychological needs, and work engagement in a nursing context. Methods This was a cross-sectional online survey. A sample of 858 nurses from 12 hospitals was surveyed on their perceived organizational support, basic psychological needs, and work engagement. Structural equation models and bootstrapping methods were used to examine the hypotheses. STROBE reporting guidelines were utilized. Results Perceived organizational support was positively associated with basic psychological needs and work engagement. Basic psychological needs were positively associated with work engagement. Basic psychological needs mediated the relationship between perceived organizational and work engagement. Conclusion Perceived organizational support may enhance work engagement by fulfilling the basic psychological needs of nurses. Implications for nursing and nursing policy Basic psychological needs deserve more attention in nursing organizations. Managers should seek optimal strategies to fulfill nurses' needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness to stimulate their intrinsic motivation to enhance work engagement.