Examining Irrational Beliefs and their Association with the Quality of Life of Students: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Irrational beliefs are among the significant factors that contribute to self-harming behaviors and the quality of life. This study aims to examine irrational beliefs and their association with the quality of life among students at Jiroft University of Medical Sciences in southern Iran in 2024. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2024 on 290 students enrolled in the second semester of the 2023-2024 academic year at Jiroft University of Medical Sciences (including the faculties of Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, and Paramedicine) in Southern Iran. Standardized questionnaires on irrational beliefs and quality of life were used for data collection. T-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients were applied to the data analyzed by SPSS 23 software (α= 0.05). Results The mean and standard deviation of irrational beliefs and quality of life were 337.56 ± 22.37 out of 500 and 57.71 ± 14.63 out of 120, respectively, indicating moderate and low levels for these two variables. A statistically significant correlation was observed between students' irrational beliefs and their quality of life (p < 0.001, r = -0.543). Conclusion Irrational beliefs in students were estimated at a moderate level, and quality of life at a low level. It is suggested that the authorities in charge of the university's students, advisory, and cultural affairs provide the conditions to improve the quality of life of students, pay attention to their needs, and try to solve their problems to reduce their irrational beliefs.