Objectives This study aimed to investigate the distribution of stages of change of physical activity and identify the influence of self-efficacy for physical activity, stress, and stress-coping style on regular physical activity in nursing students. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted at 3 universities in the cities of C, I, and U in Korea. Data on stages of change for physical activity, self-efficacy for physical activity, stress-coping style, stress level, and health behaviors were collected from 209 nursing students. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, chi-square, Pearsonâs correlation, and logistic regression analyses. Results The highest proportion (39.2%) of nursing students were at the contemplation stage of change for physical activity. The mean score of self-efficacy was 2.67 out of 5 points. Among the participantsâ stress-coping styles, the average number of active coping styles was 4.74 out of 7 points, and passive coping styles was 4.67 out of 7 points. Regular physical activity was related to self-efficacy, stress coping, and stress level. Regression analyses showed that self-efficacy for physical activity (odds=2.30), emotion-focused stress coping (odds=1.65), and stress coping involving seeking social support (odds=1.44) were significant predictors of regular physical activity (R2=0.20). Conclusions The recognition of individualâs self-efficacy, stresscoping styles, and stages of change for physical activity might be a factor in improving regular physical activity among nursing students. While nursing students at the lower stages need more self-efficacy, those at the higher stages require more social support resources in the program for physical activity for nursing students. Key words: Nursing student, Physical activity, Self-efficacy, Stages of change, Stress