The Role of Social Support in Stress Reduction Among Nursing Students: A Literature Review
Major
Nursing, BSN
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Nursing, Psychology
Faculty Advisor
Lindsay Kellar
Location
CNS Atrium
Start Date
4-12-2025 8:30 AM
End Date
4-12-2025 9:30 AM
Abstract
Nursing students experience higher levels of stressors compared to other students. The biggest stressors for nursing students include preparation for class, clinical, and exams. Clinical experiences are often in highly stressful environments. Nursing students’ mental health can be negatively affected and may contribute negative outcomes such as attrition and suicidal ideation. Coping strategies of nursing students may counteract stressors. One important form of coping is social support. Nursing students need social support from others that addresses the stress experienced in school. Social support is a positive variable that may assist in decreasing stress, depression, and burnout. It is very closely correlated with positive health outcomes, both psychological and physiological, in healthcare workers who experience high stress. It is necessary to give support to nursing students from the start of their education to decrease negative outcomes associated with high stress and assist them in developing effective coping strategies they can carry forward in their careers. Coping strategies and support can decrease burnout in the healthcare setting and improve resilience of nurses. We are conducting a review of the literature surrounding the topic of social support and its influence on student nurses. Little is known about the influence on nursing students’ mental, academic, or physical health impacts from social support. Using the PRISMA technique for this literature search, we are examining research findings on social support and nursing students and its effect on their learning and mental health, if any. Our review is currently in process.
The Role of Social Support in Stress Reduction Among Nursing Students: A Literature Review
CNS Atrium
Nursing students experience higher levels of stressors compared to other students. The biggest stressors for nursing students include preparation for class, clinical, and exams. Clinical experiences are often in highly stressful environments. Nursing students’ mental health can be negatively affected and may contribute negative outcomes such as attrition and suicidal ideation. Coping strategies of nursing students may counteract stressors. One important form of coping is social support. Nursing students need social support from others that addresses the stress experienced in school. Social support is a positive variable that may assist in decreasing stress, depression, and burnout. It is very closely correlated with positive health outcomes, both psychological and physiological, in healthcare workers who experience high stress. It is necessary to give support to nursing students from the start of their education to decrease negative outcomes associated with high stress and assist them in developing effective coping strategies they can carry forward in their careers. Coping strategies and support can decrease burnout in the healthcare setting and improve resilience of nurses. We are conducting a review of the literature surrounding the topic of social support and its influence on student nurses. Little is known about the influence on nursing students’ mental, academic, or physical health impacts from social support. Using the PRISMA technique for this literature search, we are examining research findings on social support and nursing students and its effect on their learning and mental health, if any. Our review is currently in process.