Evaluating Countertransference Tendencies in Nursing Practice: Development and Psychometric Testing of the Nurses' Countertransference Tendency Scale.

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Countertransference can influence communication, professional boundaries, and the quality of care in nursing practice. This study developed the Nurses' Countertransference Tendency Scale (NCTS) and examined its psychometric properties to provide a tool for assessing these dynamics in general nursing settings. Methods: An online survey was conducted with nurses in Turkey between August 2023 and January 2024. After screening and removal of multivariate outliers, 321 participants remained. Content validity, pilot testing, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), internal consistency, and 14-day test-retest reliability were assessed. Results: The 22-item, four-factor solution explained 68.88% of the total variance. CFA indicated acceptable model fit (χ² [203] = 530.63, χ²/df = 2.61, root-mean-square error of approximation = .058, goodness-of-fit index = .957, comparative fit index = .918, normed fit index = .959). Internal consistency was high for the total scale (Cronbach's α = .944) and adequate to excellent across subscales (α = .916, .876, .894, and .783). Test-retest reliability over a 14-day interval demonstrated strong temporal stability (r = .977 for the total scale; all p < .001). Conclusions: The NCTS demonstrated satisfactory validity and reliability. It offers a valuable instrument for nurses to increase self-awareness and for educators to address relational dynamics in training.