The Relationship between Shame and Mental Health Problems in Nursing Students Experiencing Bullying at a University in Central Java

Background: Bullying is a major factor contributing to mental health problems in Indonesia, including depression, anxiety, and stress. Preliminary research found a high rate of bullying among nursing students at a university in Central Java, with verbal bullying being the most common (33.33%). This study explored the relationship between shame and mental health problems in nursing students who have experienced bullying at a university in Central Java. Methods: The research employed a cross-sectional design, targeting a population of 607 students, with a total sample of 265 participants selected through random sampling. The data collection utilised two main instruments: the External and Internal Shame Scale (EISS), which included four valid items measuring internal shame (α=0.850), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), comprising 21 valid items to assess mental health problems (α=0.85, 0.84, 0.84). Pearson’s Product Moment correlation test was applied for data analysis.