Psychological Distress Among Oncology Nurses and Their Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help

Oncology nursing is emotionally demanding and may place nurses at risk of psychological distress. However, distress does not necessarily translate into willingness to seek professional psychological support. This study aimed to assess psychological distress among oncology and non-oncology nurses and examine their attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 155 registered nurses at a single government hospital in Riyadh. Psychological distress was assessed using the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), while attitudes toward professional psychological help were measured using the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale–Short Form (ATSPPH-SF). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to compare oncology and non-oncology nurses and examine the association between psychological distress and help-seeking attitudes. Overall, nurses reported moderate psychological distress, with severe distress reported by a substantial proportion of participants. The distribution of psychological distress categories did not differ between oncology and non-oncology nurses (χ2(3) = 2.01, p = 0.571). Attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help were generally close to the scale midpoint. These attitudes did not differ significantly between oncology and non-oncology nurses (U = 2771.5, p = 0.434) or across psychological distress categories (χ2(3) = 4.538, p = 0.209). Psychological distress is a substantial concern among nurses, across both oncology and non-oncology departments. However, no statistically significant association was identified between the level of psychological distress and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. Healthcare organizations should implement proactive, confidential, and accessible mental health support strategies and promote a workplace culture that normalizes professional psychological help-seeking among nurses.