The Level of Depression and Assertiveness among Nursing Students

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• Nursing students exhibit increased vulnerability to depression.
• Understanding the interplay between depression and assertiveness is crucial for targeted interventions.
• This study addresses the need to explore these factors within the nursing student population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of depression and levels of assertiveness among nursing students.
• To examine the relationship between depression and assertiveness in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with bachelor nursing students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
• Data were collected using demographic information, the Gambrill and Richey Assertion Inventory, and Beck's Depression Inventory.
• Statistical analysis included Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and independent samples t-test using SPSS version 16.

Main Results:

• Over half (55.6%) of students reported average to low assertiveness levels.
• A significant proportion (38.7%) experienced mild to severe depression.
• A significant inverse correlation (r=0.314, P<0.001) was observed between assertiveness and depression.

Conclusions:

• A significant inverse relationship exists between depression and assertiveness in nursing students.
• The findings suggest that improving assertiveness could be a strategy to mitigate depression.
• Further research, such as a cohort study, is recommended to fully elucidate the causal relationship.