Stress and impairment among nursing students

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Medical Education
• Psychology

Background:

• Nursing students face significant academic and clinical stressors.
• Stress-related disorders are prevalent in higher education, particularly in demanding fields like nursing.
• Understanding the trajectory of these disorders is crucial for student well-being and retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To longitudinally investigate the prevalence and progression of stress-related disorders in nursing students.
• To identify factors associated with increased depressive symptoms, burnout, and alcohol use.
• To examine the relationship between social support, attribution style, and mental health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal cohort study design over two academic years.
• Assessment of depressive symptoms, burnout, alcohol use frequency, social support, and attribution style.
• Statistical analysis to determine relationships and trends.

Main Results:

• 55% of nursing students reported high depressive symptoms.
• A majority experienced increased burnout and alcohol use frequency throughout their education.
• Lack of social support and external attribution style were linked to increased negative behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Nursing education exacerbates stress-related disorders, including depression and burnout.
• Interventions promoting social support and cognitive restructuring may mitigate negative outcomes.
• Early identification and support are vital for nursing students' mental health.