The Relationship between Psychological Hardiness and Academic Enthusiasm and Vitality in Students of Arak University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background: Psychological hardiness as a protective factor plays an essential role in how students face academic challenges. Paying attention to academic enthusiasm and vitality due to their strong impact on various aspects of students' academic life is of great importance. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between psychological hardiness and academic enthusiasm and vitality in students of Arak University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in 2017-2018 on 341 students of Arak University of Medical Sciences selected by stratified random sampling based on gender. Data were collected using the Ahvaz Hardiness Inventory (AHI), Academic Enthusiasm Inventory developed by Fredricks et al., and Academic Vitality Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: There was a negative and significant relationship between psychological hardiness and academic enthusiasm (r=-0.17, P=0.002) and vitality (r=-0.38, P=0.001). Also, a positive and significant relationship was observed between academic enthusiasm and academic vitality (r=0.15, P=0.008). There was a significant difference between the mean scores of academic vitality of male and female students. Conclusion: In order to increase the quality of academic life of medical students, it is essential to teach the components of psychological hardiness, academic enthusiasm, and academic vitality to students.