The Relationship between Self-compassion, Social Support and Hope with Subjective Well-being of Nursing Students

Abstract

Introduction: Subjective well-being is one of the important components of mental health, identification of effective factors of which is important, such as self-compassion, social support and hope. This research aimed at investigating the relationship of self-compassion, social support and hope with subjective well-being of nursing students. Methods: The present research was a descriptive-analytical correlation study. The population included all nursing students of Islamic Azad University of Ahvaz branch during year 2015 to 2016 academic years. From this group, 180 individuals were selected through the simple random sampling method. All nursing students completed the questionnaires of self-compassion (Reas & et al, 2011), social support (Vaux & et al, 1986), hope (Miller & Powers, 1988), and subjective wellbeing (Renshaw & et al, 2015). Data was analyzed with using the SPSS-19 software with Pearson correlation and multivariate regression with the enter model. Results: The results showed that self-compassion (r = 0.309), social support (r = 0.463), and hope (r = 0.571) had a positive and significant relationship with subjective well-being among nursing students (P < 0.01). The predictor variables indicated that self-compassion, social support and hope could predict 57.4% of variance in well-being of nursing students (R2 = 0.574) and in this model hope had a more significant role in the predicting well-being of nursing students. Conclusions: Regarding the results, the variables of self-compassion, social support and hope had an effective role in predicting the well-being of nursing students. Therefore, to improve the wellbeing of nursing students, along with conventional treatments, elements, such as hope, social support and self-compassion should receive extensive attention. Also based on the results of this research, it is suggested for authorities and planners of nursing schools to design programs to improve the well-being of nursing students, implemented through workshops.