Exploring the Nexus of Professional Commitment, Emotional Labor, and Self-Efficacy among Community Pharmacists: Implications for Healthcare Delivery

INTRODUCTION: This study delves into the intricate relationships between emotional labor, professional commitment, and self-efficacy among community pharmacists.
METHODS: Through a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 396 pharmacists and analyzed to assess how these constructs interact and influence one another within the pharmacy profession. Descriptive and regression analyses were conducted to provide insights into the levels of emotional labor, professional commitment, and self-efficacy exhibited by pharmacists, as well as the interdependencies among these variables.
RESULTS: The findings highlight a significant positive relationship between self-efficacy and professional commitment, mediated by emotional labor strategies. Specifically, higher levels of self-efficacy were associated with deeper emotional labor practices and a stronger sense of professional commitment. The study underscores the importance of self-efficacy in managing emotional labor and fostering professional commitment among community pharmacists.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It contributes to the existing literature by elucidating the dynamic interplay between personal beliefs in professional capabilities, the emotional demands of the job, and the commitment to the profession. The implications of these findings for pharmacy practice and future research directions are discussed, emphasizing the need for interventions aimed at enhancing pharmacists' self-efficacy and emotional management skills to support their professional commitment and overall job satisfaction.