Valued Living, Fulfilled at Work: Investigating Job Satisfaction and Associated Psychological Processes Among Physicians

Abstract

Objective: Job satisfaction of physicians is closely related to patient satisfaction, the quality and efficiency of medical care, and the enhancement of physicians' well-being. While there is a consensus on the global rise in job dissatisfaction among physicians, most studies in this field have primarily concentrated on the association between job satisfaction and depression, burnout, and work productivity. The number of studies examining the relationship between psychological processes and job satisfaction is limited. This study aimed to examine the impact of self-esteem, thwarted belongingness, and values on job satisfaction among medical professionals. Methods: A total of 196 physicians, aged between 18 and 65, who were working in state or private hospitals all over T & uuml;rkiye at the time of the study (between December 2022 and February 2023), were included in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a sociodemographic form, Valuing Questionnaire (VQ), Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ), Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES) and Job satisfaction scale (JSS). Results: A positive correlation was found between job satisfaction (JSS) and valued living (VQ) (r=0.621; p<0.001), while negative correlations were found between thwarted belongingness (INQ-TB) (r=-0.352; p<0.001) and self-esteem (RSES) (r=-0.400; p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated that VQ and work experience are significant predictors of Job Satisfaction (JSS) (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.449). Conclusion: Findings of this study highlight the crucial role of personal values and work experience on job satisfaction. Incorporating personal values into future interventions is vital for enhancing job satisfaction among physicians.