Investigating the relationship between perceived social support, self-esteem, and help-seeking behavior of nursing students

BACKGROUND: Nursing students experience multiple challenges related to patients, educators, clinical learning environment, and also professional identity. This study aims to investigate the relationship among perceived social support, self-esteem, and the help-seeking behavior of nursing students in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a cross-sectional study conducted on 216 nursing students in 2023. The sampling method was proportional stratified random sampling. Inclusion criteria were nursing students at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD. levels, who have passed more than one semester since their studies. Data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, perceived social support questionnaire, help-seeking behavior, and general help-seeking behavior questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistical tests and analytical tests (independent t -test, Mann-Whitney-U test, Spearman correlation coefficient, and multivariate linear regression), at a significance level of less than 0.05, using SPSS software version 20. RESULTS: The results showed that there is a positive correlation among perceived social support and students’ self-esteem ( r = 0.448, P < 0.001), social support and general help-seeking behavior ( r = 0.331, P < 0.001), and social support and academic help-seeking behavior of students ( r = 0.402, P < 0.001), which means that students’ help-seeking behavior and academic help-seeking behavior are strengthened by improving perceived social support. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study can facilitate the help-seeking behavior of nursing students, by identifying and activating the sources of social support and strengthening self-esteem. Therefore, it is suggested to provide such an environment in the university that strengthens the feelings of being valuable and cultivates a positive attitude in students, while increasing their self-esteem by meeting their needs and providing emotional support.