Factors influencing ego-resilience in nursing students

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the variables influencing the ego-resilience of female university students majoring in nursing. Data were collected from 109 nursing students during the period from March to June 2013, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVAs, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression analyses using the SPSS WIN 18.0 program. Ego-resilience showed a statistically significant, positive correlation with internal health locus of control (r =.303, p = 0.001), one of the sub-domains of health locus of control. Self-esteem (t = -5.508, p < 0.001) and internal health locus of control (t = 2.995, p = 0.003) affected ego-resilience and explained 24.9% of the variance (F = 7.736, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that if nursing students’ internal locus of control and ego-resilience are maximized, it will enhance their health-related knowledge and be helpful in adjusting to school life through controlling and overcoming stress in their environment. Thus, nursing students’ teachers need to provide positive feedback and encouragement to maximize students’ disposition toward an internal locus of control, and students should make an effort to enhance their self-esteem by cultivating an optimistic attitude, positive emotional experiences, and self-confidence.