Contributions of biographical and relational aspects to Mental Health nurses' professional identity

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12957/reuerj.2025.92946

Keywords:

Nurses, Psychiatric Nursing, Mental Health Assistance, Nurse's Role, Identity Crisis

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the contributions of biographical and relational processes in the constitution of the professional identity of nurses working in Psychosocial Care Centers. Method: a qualitative study of the multiple-case type conducted with 10 nurses from six Type II CAPS in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The data were collected between June and August 2022 through semi-structured interviews. Results: in a patriarchal society, Christian affiliation and gender markers relegate nurses to exploitation and devaluing job positions, sustaining clientelistic practices in Mental Health. In addition, precarization of the working conditions and overlapping of functions, frequently subordinated to capital-related interests, weaken the profession in the Mental Health field. Final considerations: the need for an interconnection between the psychosocial Mental Health care model and the Nursing profession core is identified. The study contributes to strengthening a consolidated, valued and socially recognized professional identity.

Author Biographies

Tâmara da Cruz Piedade Oliveira, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública

Nurse. MSc in Nursing and Health by Universidade Federal da Bahia. Professor at Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública. Salvador, BA, Brazil.

Deybson Borba de Almeida, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana

Professor. PhD in Nursing and Health by Universidade Federal da Bahia. Professor of the Professional MSc Nursing Graduate Program belonging to Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana. Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil.

Gilberto Tadeu Reis da Silva, Universidade Federal da Bahia

Professor. PhD in Sciences by Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Professor of the Nursing and Health Graduate Program belonging to Universidade Federal da Bahia. Salvador, BA, Brazil.

Maria Angélica de Almeida Peres, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Professor. PhD in Nursing by Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Professor of the Nursing Graduate Program of the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.

Vanessa Carneiro dos Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia

Nurse. MSc in Nursing and Health by Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.

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Published

2025-12-12

How to Cite

1.
Oliveira T da CP, Almeida DB de, Silva GTR da, Peres MA de A, Santos NVC dos. Contributions of biographical and relational aspects to Mental Health nurses’ professional identity. Rev. enferm. UERJ [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 12 [cited 2026 Jul. 24];33(1):e92946. Available from: https://www.e-publicacoes.uerj.br/enfermagemuerj/article/view/92946

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Research Articles

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