The Indirect Role of Resilience in the Association Between Type D Personality and Sleep Quality Among Nursing Students: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Background Type D personality is associated with poor sleep quality among nursing students, potentially affecting their well‐being and academic performance. While resilience demonstrates protective effects on mental health, its specific role in the association between Type D personality and sleep difficulties in this population remains unclear. Aim This study aimed to examine the association between Type D personality and sleep quality and the potential indirect role of resilience in this association among nursing students in Japan. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among nursing students using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Type D Personality Scale, and Adolescent Resilience Scale. Study briefings were held between July 3 and July 14, 2023, and data were collected within two weeks of these sessions. An analysis of indirect associations was performed using Hayes’ PROCESS macro. Results Among the 182 completed questionnaires (mean age, 20.0 ± 1.76 years; 93.4% women), Type D personality was identified in 54.9% of participants. The analysis indicated a significant total association between Type D personality and poorer sleep quality ( B = 0.090, 95% CI [0.051, 0.128]). Importantly, while total resilience was not a significant factor in the indirect association analysis, significant indirect associations emerged through its subscales: emotional regulation ( B = 0.024, bootstrapped 95% CI [0.004, 0.044]) and positive future orientation ( B = 0.020, bootstrapped 95% CI [0.0004, 0.040]). These findings suggest that these resilience dimensions may be statistically involved in the observed association, although these insights remain exploratory. Conclusion Type D personality traits were associated with poorer sleep quality among nursing students. Exploratory analyses indicated indirect associations involving specific dimensions of resilience. Resilience may, therefore, be a relevant psychological factor to consider in relation to sleep quality among nursing students.