The Effect of Self-esteem on Stress and Coping Mechanisms among Nursing Students during Clinical Training in Palestinian Universities

Abstract

Nursing students experience a variety of stressors during their clinical training on a daily basis. This study investigated the relationship between self-esteem, stress, and coping mechanisms among nursing students during their clinical practice. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data from a convenience sample of 300 baccalaureate-nursing students from Palestinian universities, who had clinical training in governmental and/or private hospitals. The results showed that nursing students experienced mild to moderate stress, with stress from taking care of patients being the most common type of stress perceived (M = 9.8, SD = 5.1). Problem solving was the most prevalent coping strategy used (M = 14.2, SD = 6), followed by staying optimistic (M = 9, SD = 3.4). Avoidance and transference had significant positive correlations with all stressors, while self-esteem had a significant negative correlation with all stressors. Overall, the findings suggest that stress must be considered an important factor that may have a negative impact on clinical performance and patient care among nursing students during their clinical training.