The Mediating Role of Cognitive Flexibility in the Relationship between Professionl Values and Moral Sensitivity among Nurses during the Corona Epidemic

Nurses, as members of the therapeutic team in health care centers, are faced with challenging decisions, moral issues and problems. The purpose of this study was based on examining the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between Professionl Values and moral sensitivity among nurses during the corona epidemic.

This study was a descriptive-correlational study. By applying quota convenience sampling method, 220 subjects were selected among the nurses working in Khatam Al-Anbia (PBUH) hospitals in Abarkooh and Imam Khomeini (RA) towns, Abadeh town in order to participate in the study. To collect data, The Weis and Shank (2009) Professionl Values Scales, Lutzen et al. (2006) and Dennis and Vanderwall (2010) Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaires were used. The Data were analyzed through Pearson's correlation test and structural equation modeling.

Ethical Considerations: 

In this study, criteria concerned with moral principles as confidentiality, personal satisfaction and freedom of participants in cooperation or non-cooperation during the study process have been observed.

The findings of the study demonstrated that there is a positive and significant relationship between the variables of occupational values and moral sensitivity, Professionl Values and cognitive flexibility (P<0.001). Moreover, it confirmed the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between Professionl Values and moral sensitivity among nurses during the corona epidemic (P<0.01).

Considering the findings of the present study, in order to increase Professionl Values, it is recommended that appropriate strategies in line with addressing to the principles and criteria related to this variable, including social, emotional and economic support, especially in the nursing field, should be exerted to be strengthened their moral sensitivity by affecting their cognitive flexibility.