Assessment of psychological capital at work by physiotherapists.

OBJECTIVE: Describe how psychological capital in the workplace impacts job satisfaction and quality life among Brazilian physiotherapists.

METHODS: Questionnaires were distributed to physiotherapists of the Brazilian Physical Therapists Association working in clinical or managerial positions in the public or private sector. The response rate was 12%, with 389 participants.

RESULTS: Job satisfaction was associated with self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience, showing a direct relationship between satisfaction and psychological capital in the workplace. The self-employed physiotherapists were more satisfied and had higher psychological capital in the workplace than the physical therapists employed by a company.

CONCLUSION: It is relevant that managers in the physiotherapy field recognize the relevance of psychological capital in the workplace and use it in their management practices. Understanding the individual characteristics of each employee is essential in promoting the personal development of physical therapists. This finding contributes to a healthier and more challenging work environment for physiotherapists in addition to developing their careers in physical therapy units.