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

BACKGROUND: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.