The Dual Effect of Work Rumination in the Relationship Between Challenge Stress and Innovative Behavior: A Moderated Mediation Model of Information Literacy

Innovation in healthcare is crucial for enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. Nurses often experience stress that may impede the process of innovation. This study utilizes the Job Demands-Resources model and Cognitive Appraisal Theory to investigate the impact of challenge stress, work rumination, and information literacy on the expression of innovative behaviors among nurses. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in China in June 2024, involving a sample of 533 nurses. Participants were required to complete online questionnaires designed to evaluate challenge stress, work rumination, information literacy, and innovative behavior. The data collected were analyzed using the PROCESS macro in SPSS. Challenge stress exhibited a statistically significant positive correlation with innovative behavior (r = 0.142, p < .01) and work rumination (r = 0.348, p < .01). The relationship between challenge stress and innovative behaviors was partially mediated by work rumination. Affective rumination was found to exert a negative influence, while problem-solving pondering demonstrated a positive impact. The relationship between work rumination and innovative behaviors was moderated by information literacy (β = 0.069, p = .019), indicating that the effects were more pronounced at higher levels of information literacy among nurses. Challenge stress enhances innovative behaviors through work rumination. The presence of information literacy further amplifies these positive effects, particularly via problem-solving pondering. However, it is important to note that affective rumination impede this process.