Association between interpersonal sensitivity and loneliness in college nursing students based on a network approach

The symptoms of interpersonal sensitivity and loneliness are prevalent among college nursing students. This study aims to investigate the interactions at the symptom level and elucidate the characteristics of the interpersonal sensitivity and loneliness symptoms network among Chinese college nursing students.

A cohort of 864 college nursing students participated in the study. Interpersonal sensitivity was assessed using the Chinese Version of the Short Form of the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM-CS), while loneliness symptoms were evaluated using the three-item Loneliness Scale (T-ILS). Central symptoms and bridge symptoms were determined using centrality and bridge centrality indices, respectively. The stability of the network was evaluated through the case-dropping procedure.

The most robust direct relationship was observed between the interpersonal sensitivity symptoms 'Feel happy when someone compliments' (IPSM-CS9) and 'Make others happy' (IPSM-CS10). 'Feel happy when someone compliments' (IPSM-CS9) exhibited the highest node strength in the interpersonal sensitivity and loneliness network, with 'They would not like me' (IPSM-CS2) following closely behind. Among the loneliness symptoms, 'Relational loneliness' (T-ILS1) demonstrated the highest bridge strength, followed by 'Intimate loneliness' (T-ILS3) and 'Social loneliness' (T-ILS2). The entire network displayed robustness in both stability and accuracy assessments.

This study emphasized the importance of central symptoms (e.g., 'Feel happy when someone compliments' and 'They would not like me') and bridge symptoms (e.g., 'Relational loneliness', 'Intimate loneliness', and 'Social loneliness'). Intervening in the central symptoms may effectively enhance the self-confidence of nursing students and foster harmonious relationships with others, thereby facilitating better adaptation to interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, by addressing bridge symptoms (e.g., meeting the need for approval and providing social support), nursing students can better adjust to their studies and practice with a more positive attitude during their college years.