The impact of empathy on the mental health of healthcare workers via social support: a moderated mediation model

To examine the relationship between empathy and mental health in healthcare workers, the mediating role of social support, and the moderating role of academic qualifications. A sample of 513 healthcare workers completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Social Support Scale, and General Health Questionnaire. (1) Significant correlations were observed among empathy (cognitive empathy), social support (including intra-family support, friend support, and significant other support), and mental health (P < 0.01). (2) Social support was found to be a significant mediator in the relationship linking empathy to the mental health of healthcare workers (P < 0.001). (3) Educational qualifications were identified as a moderating factor in the relationship linking social support to mental health (P<0.01). Specifically, social support exhibited a stronger association with mental health among healthcare workers with lower educational levels (β = -0.516,t = -9.414, P < 0.001). Healthcare workers’ psychological well-being can be enhanced by nurturing their empathy and establishing a robust social support system.