Title : Examining the relationship between self-care practices and the perceived stress level of undergraduate nursing students
Abstract:
Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between self-care practices and the perceived stress level of undergraduate nursing students.
Background: Undergraduate nursing students are at an increased risk for high levels of perceived stress due to the requirements of their nursing program and their personal responsibilities. Increased perceived stress levels have short- and long-term effects, which may be prevented or lessened if they participate in self-care. Research supports the idea that stress has various consequences on one’s well-being. However, there is a connection between the ability to be successful in their education and their ability to care for themselves.
Design: The study employed a cross-sectional quantitative design.
Method: This quantitative study used descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. The questionnaire package containing the recruitment letter, Watson’s Caring Theory Information Sheet, informed consent form, demographic survey, the Mindful Self-care Scale (MSCS) survey, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) survey was emailed to 401students.
Results: The researcher found that every student who completed the survey fell within the moderate level of perceived stress and participated in at least one self-care practice. The researcher revealed a significant inverse relationship between the practice of self-care and the perceived stress among undergraduate nursing students, r (106) = -.435, p < .001.
Conclusion: The researcher found that undergraduate nursing students who practice self-care may potentially decrease their perceived stress levels and improve their overall well-being.
Keywords: Self-care, Well-being, Perceived Stress, Undergraduate Nursing Students, Watson’s Caring Theory.
