Self-Care Behaviors as Predictors of Mental Health Outcomes Among Undergraduate Nursing Students

Due to the rigorous demands of nursing school, students often experience stress leading to anxiety and depression. Exploring nursing students' self-care behaviors may provide insights into how self-care is associated with mental health. This study examined the self-care behaviors of nursing students as predictors of mental health outcomes.

This cross-sectional study involved a sample of 2,685 undergraduate nursing students. Independent variables included exercise, sleep, emotional resilience, and loneliness. Mental health outcomes included anxiety, depression, and flourishing. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and hierarchical linear regression.

Exercise was a significant predictor of flourishing. Sleep was a significant predictor of anxiety and depression. Emotional resilience and loneliness were significant predictors of all mental health outcomes.

Curricular interventions focused on promoting regular exercise, enhancing healthy sleep practices, reducing loneliness, and increasing emotional resilience may improve the mental health of nursing students.