Abstract
Aim: This study aims to evaluate how strength use affects thriving at work among Chinese nurses, with a focus on the mediating effects of control beliefs about stress and cognitive reappraisal. Background: Nurses' thriving at work is essential for their well-being, highlighting the importance of understanding factors that contribute to their thriving. Methods: A comprehensive questionnaire was administered to measure nurses' strength use, control beliefs about stress, cognitive reappraisal, and thriving at work. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0, with mediation analyses conducted via the PROCESS macro. The study followed the STROBE checklist to ensure quality and transparency. Results: Based on data from 434 nurses, strength use was positively related to thriving at work (β = 0.455, p < 0.001), control beliefs about stress (β = 0.375, p < 0.001), and cognitive reappraisal (β = 0.467, p < 0.001). Mediation analyses showed that both control beliefs about stress and cognitive reappraisal independently mediated the relationship between strength use and thriving at work, with indirect effects of 0.068 (95% CI [0.011, 0.141]) and 0.092 (95% CI [0.037, 0.154]), respectively. The serial mediation model was also significant (indirect effect = 0.067, 95% CI [0.025, 0.108]). Conclusions: The study highlights the critical role of strength use in enhancing workplace thriving among Chinese nurses, with control beliefs about stress and cognitive reappraisal serving as key mediators. Implications for Nursing Management: Encouraging strength use in healthcare and implementing programs to develop control beliefs about stress and cognitive reappraisal can enhance thriving at work, contributing to a more effective healthcare system.