A Study on Stress, Self-Perception and Resilience among Undergraduate Nursing Students

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the levels of stress, self-perception and resilience of undergraduate nursing students and to recognize the correlations between them. Method: The research design is a descriptive correlational study design which used convenience sampling on 198 senior nursing students in South Korea. The used research measures were tools which measure stress, self-perception and resilience. Data collection was conducted from May 13, 2019 to May 24, 2019 using SPSS 21.0 for data analysis. Findings: The results show that stress is affected by health status, and clinical practice satisfaction. Meanwhile, resilience is affected by health status, interpersonal relationships, personality trait and major satisfaction. Stress and resilience are negatively correlated while self-perception and resilience are positively correlated. Furthermore, an increase in self-perception correlates with an increase in resilience and a decrease in self perception correlates with a decrease in resilience. Applications: It is important for nursing leaders of education and practice to find out the sources of stress and coping strategies used by the students so that such leaders can help students effectively manage upcoming problems and situations. In addition, if the social support system that protects nursing students is systemically formed and utilized, it can not only help increase self-perception and resilience of prospective helping professionals but also improve their happiness.