Stress coping strategies influencing college adjustment and academic satisfaction in nursing freshmen in Korea

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the levels of college adaptation and academic satisfaction as well as the types of coping strategies in nursing freshmen in Korea. The subjects were 148 nursing freshmen in two nursing colleges. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression. The mean scores of 3 stress coping strategies (social support seeking, problem solving, and avoidance) were 2.24±0.40, 2.18±0.40, and 1.72±0.32. The total mean score of college adaptation was 3.27±0.50. Among sub-categories of college adaptation, the highest mean score was academic activities (3.83±0.61) and the lowest mean score was social participation (2.73±0.83). The total mean score of department satisfaction was 4.02±0.50. Among sub-categories of department satisfaction, the highest mean score was department perception (4.61±0.49) and the lowest mean score was interpersonal relations (3.34±0.77). The result of multiple linear regression showed both college adaptation (t=4.944, p<.001) and department satisfaction (t=4.088, p<.001) were influenced by problem solving strategy. The results demonstrated that problem solving strategies affected both college adjustment and academic satisfaction. Therefore, healthcare providers need to provide interventions to increase the problem solving skills of freshmen nursing students.