The Relationship Between Nursing Students’ Psychological Distress and Perceived Stress and the Nursing Educational Environment

AIM This study aimed to identify associations between psychological distress and perceived stress and the educational environment among baccalaureate nursing students. BACKGROUND BSN students are a high-risk group for mental problems. High attrition rates are noted among students who screen for psychological distress. METHOD A quantitative descriptive design was utilized with a convenience sample of 202 students. Psychological distress was correlated with perceived stress and educational environment. Regression analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Psychological distress was reported in 45 percent of the sample. A significant positive relationship between being married and experiencing reduced psychological distress was found. Perceived stress and educational environment were significantly correlated ( p < .05). CONCLUSION Perceived stress from the educational environment plays a role in influential factors of psychological distress.