Investigating the psychological resilience, self-confidence and problem-solving skills of midwife candidates

Abstract

BackgroundThe high level of psychological resilience, self-confidence and problem solving skills of midwife candidates play an important role in increasing the quality of health care and in fulfilling their responsibilities towards patients. ObjectivesThis study was conducted to investigate the psychological resilience, self-confidence and problem-solving skills of midwife candidates. DesignIt is a convenience descriptive quantitative study. SettingsStudents who study at Health Sciences Faculty in Turkey's Central Anatolia Region. ParticipantsMidwife candidates (N = 270). MethodsIn collection of data, the Personal Information Form, Psychological Resilience Scale for Adults (PRSA), Self-Confidence Scale (SCS), and Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) were used. ResultsThere was a negatively moderate-level significant relationship between the Problem Solving Inventory scores and the Psychological Resilience Scale for Adults scores (r = −0.619; p = 0.000), and between Self-Confidence Scale scores (r = −0.524; p = 0.000). There was a positively moderate-level significant relationship between the Psychological Resilience Scale for Adults scores and the Self-Confidence Scale scores (r = 0.583; p = 0.000). There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the Problem Solving Inventory and the Psychological Resilience Scale for Adults scores according to getting support in a difficult situation. ConclusionsAs psychological resilience and self-confidence levels increase, problem-solving skills increase; additionally, as self-confidence increases, psychological resilience increases too. Psychological resilience, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills of midwife candidates in their first-year of studies are higher than those who are in their fourth year. Self-confidence and psychological resilience of midwife candidates aged between 17 and 21, self-confidence and problem solving skills of residents of city centers, psychological resilience of those who perceive their monthly income as sufficient are high. Psychological resilience and problem-solving skills for midwife candidates who receive social support are also high. The fact that levels of self-confidence, problem-solving skills and psychological resilience of fourth-year students are found to be low presents a situation that should be taken into consideration.