Effectiveness of Self-Regulation Techniques in Reducing Stress among Nursing Students in Kaduna, Nigeria

This study explores the effectiveness of self-management techniques on stress reduction among students in nursing schools in Kaduna state, Nigeria. It employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test methodology. The study population comprised three nursing schools, from which a sample of two schools was selected using purposive sampling. Thirty participants with a medium stress level were purposively chosen, with fifteen from each school. Data were collected using stress scales. Descriptive statistics analysed demographic data, while hypotheses were tested using paired sample t-tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results showed a significant effect of self-management counselling on emotional (p=.000) and psychological (p=.000) stress components. The study concludes that self-management counselling techniques effectively reduce emotional and psychological stress components among students. It recommends, among others, that nursing programs in Kaduna state should include self-management counselling techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and relaxation practices, into their curriculum. This integration can help students develop coping mechanisms for managing emotional and physical stress. By including these techniques in coursework and clinical training, students can be better equipped to handle the demands of their program, thereby improving their overall well-being and academic performance.