The efficacy of a PERMA-based intervention on PTSD symptoms and well-being in newly qualified operating room nurses: a quasi-experimental study

Newly qualified operating room nurses suffer from common workplace verbal violence and occupational stress, increasing their risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, evidence regarding the efficacy of the PERMA model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement) in reducing PTSD symptoms in this cohort remains limited. This preliminary, quasi-experimental study included two phases: a cross-sectional survey of 178 operating room nurses to assess probable PTSD prevalence, followed by an 8-week PERMA-based intervention for 27 nurses who screened positive for probable PTSD. The PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) and Campbell Index of Well-being (IWB) were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. The prevalence of probable PTSD was 19.0%. All nurses in the probable PTSD group reported verbal violence exposure; specific occupational fears were significant independent predictors of probable PTSD. A dose-response relationship existed between stressor count and probable PTSD risk (OR = 7.426, 95% CI: 3.704–14.890). The intervention was associated with a significant reduction in PCL-C scores ( p = 0.007), while IWB scores showed no significant change. Newly qualified operating room nurses are exposed to probable PTSD risk, closely linked to verbal violence and occupational stressors. A PERMA-based intervention was associated with a reduction in their PTSD symptoms, highlighting the need to incorporate targeted psychological support and anti-workplace violence policies to protect this workforce. As a preliminary study, these findings should be confirmed in a larger, definitive randomized controlled trial.