Journal of Namibian Studies, 34 S1 (2023): 2609-2630 ISSN: 2197-5523 (online)

Psychological Resilience, Self-Compassion,

And Mental Well-Being
In Nursing Students

Mariya Tharakan1 , Dr. Harsha Kuriakose2 , Dr. Stella Jose

(Corresponding Author)3

1
M.Sc. Clinical Psychology scholar, Christ (Deemed to be
University), Delhi NCR
[email protected]
2
Assistant Professor, Christ (Deemed to be University), Delhi NCR
[email protected]
3
Assistant Professor, Government College of Nursing, Medical
College, Trivandrum, Kerala
[email protected]

Abstract
Professional nursing training includes a wide array of learning
methods putting the competencies acquired into practice. This
study intended to understand the relationship between
psychological resilience, self- compassion, and mental well-
being among nursing students and examine the gender
differences between them. A correlational cross-sectional
survey was conducted among nursing students undergoing
graduate training programs in Southern Kerala. Psychological
resilience was assessed using Brief Resilience Scale, and self-
compassion with Self Compassion Scale, and mental wellbeing
was assessed using General Health Questionnaire. Correlation
between psychological resilience, self-compassion and mental
wellbeing was assessed using Pearson correlation test.
Independent t test was used to analyze the gender difference.
Psychological resilience was found to have significant positive
correlation with self-compassion (r= 0.516, P< 0.001). Both
psychological resilience and self-compassion among nursing
students had a negative correlation with poor mental well-
being (r= -0.446**, P<0.001), (r= -0.518, p< 0.001) respectively.
The mean score of psychological resilience was relatively
greater in males than females whereas for self- compassion, it
was found to be greater in females than males. But not much
difference could be seen in the mental well- being of both males

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and females (14.6176 and 14.5023) respectively. This implies

that wellbeing and resilience are essential to build up efficient
problem-solving skills, developing and maintaining
interpersonal relationships and realistic goal setting, all of
which greatly influence an individual’s ability to perform and
contribute meaningfully in daily life.

Keywords: Psychological resilience, self-compassion, mental

wellbeing, nursing students.

Introduction
Psychological well-being refers to a person’s subjective experience
of affirmative psychological states, such as pleasure, life fulfilment,
and a sense of purpose. It is a holistic theory that encompasses
different traits of a person's mental and emotional health,
including positive relationships, personal growth and
development, positive self-esteem and self-acceptance, and a
feeling of being in charge of one's life(M & .M, 2023). Positive
mental health provides the base for the health and well-being of
an individual in various domains of life, such as practical learning,
as well as developing and maintaining good physical health. (WHO,
2014). Nursing is considered as one of the high-risk professions
where there are more chances of mental distress. Often, students,
especially undergraduate students, are more prone to experience
distress because of the sudden transition from high school to
college and clinical field with many stressors (Aldiabat et
al., 2014). In a systematic review of 15 articles with a sample size
of 9202, the average score for stress among nursing students was
3.70 (95% CI: [3.33, 4.06]) (Zheng et al., 2022).

Literature Review
Psychological resilience and self-compassion are two essential
aspects that could promote psychological well-being. Psychological
resilience is the ability of the individual to cope with a particular
situation emotionally and mentally and return to that pre-crisis
situation as quickly as possible. Often, individuals deal with much
stress in their daily lives. This might disrupt their internal or
external state of equilibrium. Resilience is an adaptation to this
extreme or stressful condition (Hopf, S. M, 2010). Resilience is a
process or a trait that an individual develops over time. It is often
found in individuals who can deal with their environment

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effectively and is often associated with ‘bouncing back’ from

stressful situations. Resilience is considered a positive bio-
psychological adaptation, which is responsible for the well-being
and long-term health of individuals. (Liu et al., 2018) According to
the biological model the factors influencing resilience are self-
concept, self-esteem, and self-confidence, which are rooted in
different nervous systems (Siebert, 2005). In a catastrophic event
or a trauma, resilience is influenced by various epigenetic factors.
An increased release of DNA methylation growth factor and the
molecular modifications of the blood-brain barrier helps an
individual to become more resilient in a more stressful
situation). Resilience is strongly associated with self-compassion
( Kotera & Ting, 2021). Influence of psychological resilience
and self-compassion can make an individual’s life better.

Psychological resilience is the nurse’s capacity to adapt

and cope in difficult situations (Joseph C & Elias, 2018). During the
four-year-long academic tenure, nursing students transform
themselves from naïve trainee to competent licensed registered
nurse. The training period is tightly packed with theory classes
and simulation sessions followed by live clinical experiences.
Developing technical skills in doing nursing procedures,
establishing rapport with clients, and updating professional
knowledge, along with completing the curriculum requirements,
are often challenging to nursing students. Considering these facts,
health universities have formulated Student Support and
Guidance Cells in institutions with mentors for a specified group
of students. Survey-based research on the influence of positive
affect on physical health and psychological well- being was
conducted to study the mediating role of psychological resilience
in predicting the physical health and psychological well-being of
management among 146 engineering, management and research
students. Findings revealed that positive affect was positively
correlated with physical health (r = 0.56, p < 0.01), psychological
well-being (r = 0.44, p < 0.01) and psychological resilience (r =
0.55, p < 0.01) (Nath & Pradhan, 2012).
Self-compassion is the ability to notice suffering within oneself
and others and the commitment within the self to eliminate that
self (Neff & Knox, 2017). It has been strongly associated with
positive mental experiences in many healthcare-related student
populations (Kotera et al., 2021a). Self-compassion included self-
kindness versus self-judgment, which emphasizes how individuals

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relate to themselves; common humanity vs. isolation, which

emphasizes how individuals cognitively relate their functions to
others; and mindfulness vs. over-identification, which focuses on
how people pay careful attention to their pain. The capability to
apply self-care and self-compassion aids in bringing down levels
of compassion, fatigue, burnout and vicarious traumatization and
foster resilience. Self-compassion is positively associated with
wellbeing and life satisfaction (Andrews et al., 2020)

A study conducted in the UK examined the relationship

between resilience, engagement, motivation and mental well-
being among 182 nursing students. It found that self-compassion
was positively related to resilience, engagement, intrinsic
motivation and mental well-being, and was negatively related
to amotivation (Kotera et al., 2021b). Compassion for others,
self-compassion, quality of life and mental well-being measures
and their association with compassion fatigue and burnout in
student midwives was studied through a quantitative survey. The
study concluded that the student midwives who had judgment
towards themselves had lower compassion towards themselves
which in turn affected their psychological well-being (Beaumont,
E., Durkin, M., Hollins Martin, C. J., & Carson, J., 2016)

In an integrative review on stress and coping during

undergraduate training programs, McCarthy et al., (2018), found
that the main stressors were the academic environment, exams,
activities and projects, and, more specifically, meeting deadlines
and the number of exams required. Additionally, students’
concern about their performance in their exams, the large
number of students in the classrooms, boring lectures, and
feeling doubted by professors were all identified as sources of
stress.
The study, ‘Influence of Positive Affect on Physical Health
and Psychological Well Being: Examining the Mediating Role of
Psychological Resilience,’ aims at studying the mediating role of
psychological resilience in predicting the physical health and
psychological well-being of management, engineering, and
research students. This survey-based research study showed that
psychological resilience played an important role in mediating the
positive affect, physical health, and psychological well-being of
the students (Nath. P & Pradhan R. K., 2012). The Covid pandemic
has changed the lives of many people; its impact was very large.

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The study, ‘Emotional Resilience of Older Adults during COVID-19:

A Systematic Review of Studies of Stress and Well-Being’, was
done to understand how young adults were resilient in that
situation and how it affected their well-being. The systematic
review revealed that older adults experienced lesser stress and
negative emotions than younger adults during the covid
pandemic (Sterina. E et al., 2021). Resilience is an important
aspect that helps an individual deal with an extreme situation.
Another study, ‘Relationship between Resilience, Optimism, and
Psychological Well-Being in Students of Medicine’, explored the
association between optimism, resilience, and psychological
resilience in medical students. The results suggested that
resilience strongly influences psychological well-being in medical
students, and it also highlighted the importance of optimism in
their lives (Souri & Hasanirad, 2011). A study,’ Resilience and
Spirituality as predictors of Psychological Well-being among
University Students,’ showed that students who were resilient
and spiritual had higher levels of psychological well-being
(Archana, Kumar & Singh, 2014).
At times the well-being of counselors is also in danger,
and how they are compassionate and resilient about themselves
is a significant question to be answered. This is evident in the
study, 'Self-compassion and Psychological Well-being Among
Malaysian Counselors: The Mediating Role of Resilience’, which
aimed at assessing the association between self-compassion and
resilience among 408 Malaysian counselors. The study showed
that marriage counselors who were self-compassionate about
themselves were resilient and had high psychological well-being
(Voon, S. P., Lau, P. L., Leong, K. E, et., 2022). The transition from
school to college is always a different experience for students.
The study,’ Don’t be so hard on yourself! Changes in self-
compassion during the first year of university are associated with
changes in well-being’ it found that self-compassion can enhance
psychological well-being as it is associated with the psychological
need satisfaction of the students (Gunnel et al., 2017). Another
important study explored the influence of self-compassion on
psychological well-being among perinatal women and found that
women who had high levels of depression or anxiety had
lower levels of self-compassion and vice versa (Felder, J, N.,
Lemon, E., Shea, K., et al., 2016). The study, ‘Self-kindness when
facing stress: The role of self-compassion, goal regulation, and
support in college student’s well-being, highlighted the

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importance of aspects of goal regulation, self-compassion played

an important role in student’s well-being.
Aspects such as mental well-being, psychological
resilience, and self-compassion are essential concepts to be
discussed in today’s world. Nursing is one of the riskiest
professions in the world, and they have to prepare themselves
while they are students mentally. Psychological resilience is the
nurse’s capacity to adapt and cope in difficult situations (Joseph
C, Mamman & Elias, Anitta, 2018). It is a complicated and dynamic
process affected by physiological, psychological, sociocultural,
and political and economic factors. This study focuses on
understanding the relationship between mental well-being,
psychological resilience, and self- compassion in the nursing
student community in the Indian context. Many studies have
specifically been conducted on nursing as a profession, but it has
not been focused on nursing students, which is the period where
the students learn many aspects related to their profession.
Hence, it’s essential to focus more on their mental well-being so
that they can contribute more to society in the future. This could
help create more policies and interventions in the nursing student
community so that these interventions could shape them to deal
effectively with stress and have a quality professional life.
A number of researches have been conducted to get a
deep understanding of the factors contributing to the well-being
of individuals in different fields. But now, let’s focus on how
psychological resilience and self-compassion influences mental
well-being among nursing students and how they relate to each
other.
Research Question
RQ1: Does psychological resilience and self-compassion affect the
mental well-being of the nursing student population?

RQ2: Is there a gender difference in the psychological resilience,

self-compassion, and well-being of nursing students?

Objectives
1. To understand the relationship between (1) psychological
resilience, (2) self- compassion, and (3) mental well-being
in nursing students.
2. To examine the gender differences between (1)
psychological resilience and (2) self- compassion with (3)
mental well-being in nursing students.

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Hypothesis
H1: There will be a positive correlation between
psychological resilience, self- compassion, and well-being in
nursing students
H2: There will be gender differences in the psychological
resilience, self-compassion, and well-being of nursing student.

Methodology

Research Approach and Design

This study is based on descriptive cross sectional, correlational
approach to suit the purposes of assessing the psychological
resilience, self-compassion and mental well-being among nursing
students and for comparing their gender based variations.

Setting
Study was conducted in nursing colleges in Southern Kerala

Population and Sampling

Nursing students undergoing graduate training programs from two
randomly selected nursing colleges in Southern Kerala participated
in the study. 317 nursing students were recruited into the study
consecutively. Data collection was done from willing
undergraduate students of one government as well as one private
nursing college. Nursing students belonging to any gender
between 18- 30 years of age and those who have passed plus two
and currently enrolled in a nursing college were selected for the
study. Those who had poor understanding of English language and
use of mobile phones were not included in the study. Students
doing distance education were also excluded.

Study Variables
The independent variables examined in this study were
psychological resilience and self- compassion, whereas the
dependent variable was mental well-being of nursing students.

Tools and Technique

Brief Resilience Scale (BRS

This scale was developed by Smith et al. (2008) to assess the ability
of an individual to bounce back immediately from stressful or
critical situations in life. The Brief Resilience Scale scores found

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adequate internal reliability with internal consistency α=0.83

and test-retest ICC=0.69. The resilience scores obtained in the
study were categorized into low (1-2.99), normal (3-4.3) and high
(4.31-5) resilience.

Self-Compassion Scale (SCS)

It was developed by Neff, (2003) consists of 26 items that
assess six dimensions of self-compassion. These include self-
judgment, common humanity, self-kindness, mindfulness, over-
identification, and isolation. The internal consistency of this scale
has been reported as 0.92, and the test-retest reliability as 0.93. In
this study the self-compassion scores of participants were classified
into low (1-2.5), moderate (2.6-3.5) and high level (3.6-5) of self-
compassion.

The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ- 12)

This questionnaire measures the current mental state or health of
an individual. This scale was developed by Goldberg (1978) and
had modifications over the years to make it feasible for all cultures
and settings. The Cronbach alpha coefficient of this scale was
reported as 0. 82 to 0.86. Permission to use GHQ-12 was formally
obtained (Work order No 2304339 dated 24/07/2023). Total
scores range from 0 to 36 with a score till 11 or 12 considered
typical, scores 12-24 suggesting evidence of distress, and scores >
24 are considered severe problems with psychological distress.

Method of data collection

The research p r o p o s a l was approved by the Institutional
Review Board (IRB) of Christ (Deemed to be University) (Approval
No: 1162322223065 dated 11/6/2023). It was ensured that the
subjects participated voluntarily and that there was no coercion
involved. Informed consent was acquired from the participants
before the administration of the survey. Privacy a n d
confidentiality of the participants were ensured, and no
information was shared outside the research preview. The
participants were contacted and debriefed after the data analysis
and the study’s conclusion. In addition to this, the results were also
shared with them. After acquiring clearance from the ethical
committee, the data collection was initiated. Apart from the
instructions given in the questionnaires, the participants were
personally told about the importance of the study and its
significance. Informed consent was obtained and the forms were

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distributed. The average time for data collection was 10- 15

minutes.

Data analysis
For the description of the variables, the measures of central
tendency and dispersion were used. For the description of
continuous variables, Mean, Standard Deviation, and Range was
used, and to describe the categorical variables range, percentage,
and frequency was used. The Shapiro- Wilk test was used to check
the normality of the continuous variables. Since the data were
normally distributed, association between categorical variables
was established using the Chi-Squared test and association
between the continuous variables was estimated using Pearson
Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Regression Analysis.
To find the significant gender difference in the psychological
resilience, self-compassion, and mental well-being of nursing
students, T- test was used.
Results

1.Sample characteristics

The mean age of participants was 20.1 years with a standard

deviation of 1.21. Majority of study subjects had higher
secondary education as their basic qualification (98%). Among 317
participants 67.8% were girls and 3 2 . 2 % were boys.

Figure 1 Distribution of nursing students based on gender

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2. Psychological Resilience, self-compassion and mental well-

being among nursing students

Psychological resilience was high among 78.5% nursing students

but 21.1% students had low psychological resilience. Self-
compassion was good among 21.1% participants and 70.7% nursing
students had moderate self-compassion whereas only 8.2% of
students had low self-compassion. It was found that 7.9% nursing
students had poor mental health. During the descriptive analysis,
it was observed that all the variables i.e., Psychological Resilience,
Self- compassion and Mental Well- Being, were identified to have
a normal distribution. The mean value and standard deviation of
the study variables are as shown in table 2.

Table 1: Psychological Resilience, self-compassion and mental

well-being among nursing students

n=317

Psychological Resilience, self-compassion and Frequency Percentage

mental well-being

Psychological Resilience Low resilience (1-2.99) 67 21.1

Normal resilience (3-4.3) 249 78.5

High resilience (4.31-5) 1 0.4

Self-Compassion Low(1-2.5) 26 8.2

Moderate (2.6-3.5) 224 70.7

High (3.6-5) 67 21.1

Mental Well-Being Good (1-12) 134 42.3

Average (12.1-24) 158 49.8

Poor (24.1-36) 25 7.9

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Table 2: Mean, standard deviation and the Normality

Testing of the three variables Psychological
Resilience, Self- Compassion and Mental Well- Being

Variable Mean SD Kolmogorov-Smirnov P

Psychological Resilience
2.9842 0.55047 .072 0.00

Self- Compassion 3.1776 0.4767 .076 0.00

Mental Well- Being 14.5394 6.53296 .074 0.00

3.Correlation between psychological resilience, self-compassion

and mental well-being

There was a significant positive correlation between psychological

resilience and self- compassion (r= 0.516, P< 0.001). Further a
significant negative correlation was observed for mental well-
being with psychological resilience (r= -0.446**, P<0.001) and
self- compassion (r= -0.518, P< 0.001) (Table 3)

Table 3 Pearson correlation for the variables Psychological

Resilience, Self- Compassion and Mental Well- Being (n= 317)
Variables Psychological Self- Mental
Resilience Compassion Wellbeing
Psychological Resilience (r) - - -
p 1 - -
Self-Compassion (r) 0.516** - -
P P< 0.001 1 -
Mental Wellbeing (r) -0.446** -0.518** -
P P<0.001 P<0.001 1

4.Predictors of Mental Well-Being

On regression analysis psychological resilience and self-compassion

were found to be significant predictors of Mental Well- Being (F=
71.022, P< 0.001). The R Square value was observed to be 0.311.
(Table 4)

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Table 4: Regression Analysis

Co efficient B p

Constant 40.119 <0.001

Psychological Resilience -2.891 <0.001

Self- Compassion -0.205 <0.001

5.Gender Difference in Psychological Resilience, Self-

Compassion and Mental Well- Being.
Independent t test was used to analyze the gender difference for
the variables Psychological Resilience, Self- Compassion and
Mental Well- Being. From table 5 it could be observed that a
significant difference was found for Self- Compassion between
the groups (t= -2.965, P= 0.003). The mean scores obtained by
males for psychological resilience (3.0523) was greater than the
scores obtained by the female group (2.9519), which means that
psychological resilience was relatively greater in males in females
in this study. But in terms of self- compassion, the mean score of
the variable was found to be relatively greater in females (84.
1442) than males (79. 7451). But not much difference could be
seen in both the groups when it comes to the variable mental
well- being as both male and females got the same mean scores
i.e., 14. 6176 and 14. 5023.

Table 5 Comparison of gender difference of the variables using T-

test

Variable Group Mean (M) SD T P

Psychological Male 3.0523 0.54852

Resilience
Female 2.9519 0.54972 1.519 0.130

Self- Compassion Male 79. 7451 21.2835

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Female 84.1442 12.3679 -2.965 0.003**

Mental Well- Being
Male 14. 6176 6.3042

Female 14.5023 6.6528 0.147 0.884

**P<0.001

Discussion
The study is motivated by the significant stressors and challenges
faced by nursing students, especially in a high-risk profession like
nursing. By assessing these psychological factors, the research
aimed to provide valuable insights into how nursing students
cope with stress and maintain their mental well-being. The
research employs a correlational, cross-sectional research design.
This approach is suitable for examining the relationships between
variables without manipulation. It allows for the collection of data
at a specific point in time. The use of standardized instruments,
such as the Self-Compassion Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, and
General Health Questionnaire, ensures that data collection is
consistent and reliable. This approach enables the quantitative
analysis of the relationships between psychological resilience, self-
compassion, and mental well-being. The sample comprises 317
nursing students aged between 18 and 30, drawn from various
nursing colleges in India. The sample size is determined based on
similar studies and is considered adequate for the research
objectives. A purposive convenience sampling technique is
employed, ensuring that participants have a basic understanding
of the English language and are part of face-to-face classroom
settings, which aligns with the study's context. Inclusion and
exclusion criteria are well-defined to ensure the sample's
relevance.
The study findings revealed that 67.8% nursing students were
females and 32.2% were males. According to WHO reports in
2018, only 20.5% nurses in India were males. But the current
trend is increasing demand and interest in selecting nursing as a
profession among males especially in Kerala even though it was
a female dominated profession. The study findings support this
trend. The present study showed that the psychological
resilience was normal in 78.5% nursing students and was low in
21.1%. Only 0.4% participants had a high level of psychological

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resilience. A better resilience was observed in a similar study in

which among 150 undergraduate nursing students, 53.3% of
students had high resilience, 42.7% had moderate resilience and
4.0% low resilience (Ruppamercy et al., 2022). This change can be
attributed to the increasing complexity of curricular and clinical
requirements in graduate nursing programs. The mean score of
self-compassion in this study was 3.18 (SD=0.48) and 70.8%
nursing students had moderate and 8.2% had poor self-
compassion. Many nursing students are not able or not permitted
to care for themselves alongside caring for their patients. A lack of
awareness of how ignoring their own needs jeopardize the primary
aim of caring for others exists among them (Andrews et al., 2020).
In the present study the mean score of psychological well-being
was estimated as 14.54 (SD=6.53) and poor scores were obtained
in 7.9% of nursing students. Students with previous vocational
education had higher levels of depression, lower levels of well-
being, emotional ties and general positive affect, and lower levels
of life satisfaction than students with prior general education
(Ivana et al., 2019).

There was a significant positive correlation between

psychological resilience and self-compassion (r= 0.516, P< 0.001)
among nursing students. A similar relationship was found in a
study conducted among nursing staff conducted in Qatar. (r =
0.54; p < 0.001). (Joy, Alomari, Singh, Hassan, Mannethodi,
Kunjavara, & Al Lenjawi, 2023). A high level of self-esteem helps
individuals to develop themselves despite existing challenges and
protects increased resiliency (Arslan, 2016).

A significant negative correlation was observed for poor

mental well- being with psychological resilience (r= -0.446**,
P<0.001) and self- compassion (r= -0.518, P< 0.001). Similar study
findings were reported in a study to assess the longitudinal
associations between academic b u r n o u t and resilience and
psychological well‐being in which resilience has an
important positive e f f e c t o n p s y c h o l o g i c a l w e l l -
being ( Ríos-Risquez e t . a l .,2018). A meta-analysis examined
relationship between self-compassion and different forms of
mental wellbeing and found a positive correlation(r=0.47) which
was stronger for cognitive and psychological well- being
compared to affective well-being. (Zessin et al., 2015).
Self-compassion was more in female students but

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psychological resilience was better in male students in the present

study. In a similar study conducted in the UK ,182 nursing students
at a university in the East Midlands were found to have self-
compassion positively related to resilience, engagement, intrinsic
motivation and mental well-being, while negatively related to
motivation among them. Resilience and mental well-being were
identified as significant predictors of self-compassion (Kotera et
al., 2021c). Psychological resilience was reported relatively higher
in males than in females in this study. A cross sectional research
conducted to compare the burnout levels and resilience among
male and female student nurses during COVID pandemic reported
a similar finding in which the resilience score was higher in male
student nurses (3.4) than females (3.2) (Rusandi et al., 2022A
contradictory finding was observed in a comparative study
conducted to assess and compare the mental health of male and
female healthcare students in a Health University of Karachi,
Pakistan. Females (52%) suffered from mild to moderately-severe
depression in contrast to the males (33%) (Gitay et al., 2019).

Improving the mental well- being of the nursing students

through interventions focusing on enhancing these factors can
improve the overall well-being of nursing students. This can lead
to reduced stress, burnout, and mental health issues among
this group. Tailored interventions and programs that may lead to
the development of targeted interventions and well-being
programs specifically designed for nursing students. These
programs can help students build resilience and self-compassion
skills, ultimately improving their mental well-being. This study
also highlighted the need for mental health support and
resources within nursing education institutions. This may
prompt universities and colleges to allocate resources for
counseling, stress management, and mental health services for
their students. Since gender differences are observed in the
study, gender-based interventions can be tailored to address the
specific needs of male and female nursing students. This may
involve different strategies for building resilience and self-
compassion.

Limitations
The geographical restriction of the study to a single district in
Southern Kerala may limit the generalizability of the findings to
other regions with potentially different sociocultural contexts and

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educational systems. It's crucial to acknowledge the diversity in

nursing education across different districts or states in India.
While the study included a reasonably sized sample, a larger
sample size might have enhanced the study's statistical power and
generalizability. A more extensive participant pool could capture
a broader spectrum of experiences and potentially strengthen the
validity of the results. The cross-sectional design of the study
provides a broad idea of the participants' mental well-being,
resilience, and self-compassion at a specific point in time. As
mental states can vary over time, a longitudinal approach could
have offered a more comprehensive understanding of the
dynamic nature of these psychological factors among nursing
students.

Future Direction
The implications of the study on a professional level are far-
reaching and hold significant importance for nursing education,
healthcare institutions, and the broader professional community.
Firstly, the identification of gender differences in psychological
resilience and self-compassion among nursing students
underscores the necessity for personalized approaches in
professional development programs. Recognizing that male and
female nursing students may require distinct strategies for building
resilience and self-compassion could inform targeted
interventions, mentorship programs, and support networks that
cater to the unique needs of each gender.

Moreover, the study's revelation about the prevalence of

stressors and challenges faced by nursing students, particularly in
a high-risk profession like nursing, emphasizes the urgency of
integrating mental health and well-being into the professional
training curriculum. Professional development programs should
not only focus on clinical skills but also prioritize the cultivation of
psychological resilience and self-compassion. This shift in
emphasis acknowledges the holistic nature of nursing practice
and ensures that healthcare professionals are better equipped to
navigate the demanding and emotionally taxing aspects of their
roles. The findings also advocate for a paradigm shift within
healthcare institutions regarding the acknowledgment and
provision of mental health support for nursing professionals. The
study suggests that institutions should allocate resources for
counseling, stress management, and mental health services

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tailored to the unique challenges faced by nursing students. This

could include on-site counseling services, workshops on stress
reduction techniques, and creating a culture that encourages
open discussions about mental health. Investing in the well-being
of nursing professionals is not only ethically sound but can also
contribute to a more resilient, compassionate, and ultimately
effective healthcare workforce. Furthermore, the study's
emphasis on the increasing complexity of curricular and clinical
requirements affecting psychological resilience calls for a
reevaluation of nursing education programs.

Professional bodies and educational institutions should

collaborate to ensure that curricula strike a balance between
academic rigor and the mental well-being of students. This may
involve incorporating stress management techniques into the
curriculum, providing resources for coping with academic
demands, and fostering a supportive learning environment. On a
broader scale, the study serves as a catalyst for a collective effort
within the nursing profession to prioritize mental health and well-
being. Professional organizations, regulatory bodies, and
healthcare policymakers can use these findings to advocate for
systemic changes that promote a culture of well-being within the
nursing profession. This might involve developing guidelines for
mental health support in healthcare settings, advocating for
policies that reduce the stigma around seeking mental health
assistance, and promoting a holistic approach to professional
development that considers both clinical and psychological
competencies.

Conclusion
This study significantly contributes to understanding the
relationship between psychological resilience, self-compassion,
and mental well-being among nursing students in the specific
context of Southern Kerala, India. The identified gender
differences in psychological resilience and self-compassion
highlight the need for nuanced interventions. Improving the
mental well-being of nursing students through targeted programs
can not only benefit the students themselves but can also
positively impact the quality of care they provide. The findings
prompt further research in this area and emphasize the
importance of collaboration among researchers, educators, and
healthcare professionals to address the mental health needs of

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nursing students comprehensively. Despite the limitations, this

study lays a foundation for future investigations into the
psychological well-being of nursing students in diverse settings.
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