BMC Psychology (Nov 2024)

The mediating effect of coping on perceived stress and professional identity among nursing interns: a cross-sectional study conducted in a medical university in China

  • Haixia Tu,
  • Jing Liu,
  • Fengzhen Li,
  • Tingting Lin,
  • Pinpin Jin,
  • Ping Li,
  • Jufang Li

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-02208-4
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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Abstract Background Developing a strong professional identity is crucial to helping nursing students pursing nursing career. Stress and coping are two factors that may influence professional identity. The relationship between nursing interns’ professional identity, coping, and perceived stress, however, has not received much attention in the literature. This study aimed to examine the role of coping as a mediator in the relationship between perceived stress and professional identity among nursing interns. Methods In September 2020, a cross-sectional study was done at a Chinese medical university. Data were collected online from 213 nursing interns via convenience sampling using the personal characteristics questionnaire, the professional identity scale for nursing students, the stress rating scale for nursing students in practice and the simplified coping style questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis, and a bootstrap approach with SPSS Process macro were adopted to examine the mediating role of coping on perceived stress and professional identity. Results The overall mean score for nursing interns’ professional identity was 3.30 ± 0.51. Perceived stress was negatively correlated with professional identity (r = -0.217, p < 0.01), and positively correlated with positive coping style (r = 0.168, p < 0.05). Positive coping style was positively correlated with professional identity (r = 0.177, p < 0.01). Positive coping style acted as a mediator between perceived stress and professional identity among nursing interns. Conclusion This study showed that nursing interns had a medium level of professional identity and the negative influence of stress perceived by nursing interns on their professional identity might be buffered by the increased use of positive coping style. Therefore, coping training programs should be developed to help mitigate the negative impact of stress on the professional identity of nursing interns in clinical practicum.

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