Investigating the mediating role of body image concern among nurses in the relationship between personality traits and feelings of loneliness

Background: If nurses have acceptable mental health in the workplace, they will be better able to provide specialized services to patients. This study aimed to provide a model of the relationship between personality traits and feelings of loneliness and the mediating role of nurses' preoccupation with body image. Methods: According to the data collection method used, the present study was part of a correlation descriptive study performed with path analysis. The statistical population consisted of all nurses at Ibn Sina Hospital (235 nurses), Omid Hospital (280 nurses), and Erfan Hospital (320 nurses) in Tehran, Iran, in 2022. Using convenience sampling,‎ 300 d' nurses were selected as the study participants. The data collection tools were the UCLA ‎Loneliness Scale (ULS), NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software and Smart PLS. Results: The results confirmed that all variables (neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness), with the mediation role of body image concern, were associated with loneliness except openness (P < 0.05). The study found no evidence to support the idea that body image problems have a mediating role in the association of extraversion, openness to experience, and agreeableness with loneliness (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Knowing the health-related components of nurses can help researchers and managers in mental health to design and apply accurate and effective psychosocial interventions.