Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Objective:</bold> To investigate how work–family conflict (WFC)and work–family facilitation (WFF) simultaneously mediate the relationship between spousal support (SS) and burnout in nurses. <bold>Background:</bold> Nurse burnout poses a significant management challenge, contributing to high turnover rates and diminished quality of care. SS emerges as a crucial potential resource in addressing this issue. However, the mechanisms by which spousal support influences nurse burnout, especially through positive work–family spillover, remain insufficiently examined within nursing populations. <bold>Methods:</bold> A cross-sectional survey was administered to 343 married clinical nurses across various Chinese provinces. The study utilized validated self-report scales to assess SS, WFC, WFF and burnout. To examine the parallel dual-mediator model, path analysis with bootstrapping was conducted. <bold>Results:</bold> The model exhibited an excellent fit, as indicated by χ²/df = 1.281 and RMSEA = 0.029. SS showed a negative correlation with WFC (β = –0.225, p < .001) and a positive correlation with WFF (β = 0.279, p < .001). Both mediators were significantly linked to burnout. The total indirect effect of SS on burnout was significant (effect = –0.643, 95% CI [–0.835, –0.461]). Importantly, the indirect path via enhanced WFCaccounted for 62.36% of the total effect, which was considerably larger than the 37.64% attributed to reduced WFC. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> SS alleviates nurse burnout primarily by fostering positive work–family spillover, in addition to reducing conflict. This highlights the crucial "resource-gain" function of family support. <bold>Implications:</bold> Interventions must not only focus on reducing workload but also actively promote SS to enhance personal resource development. Implementing partner-inclusive programs, such as workshops on emotional validation and transferring skills from home to work, is advisable. Policies should cultivate a family-friendly culture that acknowledges and supports positive work-family integration, viewing it as a strategic asset for improving nurse burnout. </p>