Impact of social phobia upon self-esteem of nursing collegians' in Iraq

Abstract

Objective(s): The aim of this study is to assess the impact of social phobia upon self-esteem of nursingcollegians.Methodology: A Cross-sectional study is carried out at University of Baghdad, Karkuk, Thi-Qar, and Kufa,colleges of nursing from Feb 8th, 2011 to Sep. 25th, 2011. A sample of all first class nursing collegians (N=330)were selected from a probability sample of nursing colleges by dividing Iraq to three geographical areas (South,North, and Middle Euphrates) in addition to Baghdad. The data were collected through the use of selfadministeredtechnique as a mean for data collection, by using a questionnaire that consists of three parts:First part was the socio-demographic data form; the second one contains the Index of Self-esteem Scale (ISE);and the third one that is concerned with Social Phobia instrument which includes Social Phobia Inventory (SPI)Scale, and Social Interaction Anxiety (SIA) scale. Reliability of the questionnaire was determined through a pilotstudy and the validity was achieved through a panel of (17) experts. The data were described statistically andanalyzed through use of the descriptive and inferential statistical analysis procedures.Results: The study results show the effect of the index of self-esteem scale was 80 %, whereas the effect of theSocial Interaction Anxiety was 15%, followed by the Social Phobia Inventory (5.8%). Social phobia has asignificant impact upon nursing collegians’ self-esteem.Conclusion: The study concluded that most of the nursing collegians have low self-esteem and this level wasprobably affected by the variable of social phobia.Recommendations: The study recommended providing opportunities for students to participate inorganizations, conferences, and study projects to elevate their level of self esteem and constructing andimplementing educational programs for secondary schools teachers about how to decrease social phobiaamong their pupils.