Resilience as a mediator in the relationship between stress-associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being in student nurses: A cross-sectional study

AIM: This study examined the direct and indirect effects of stress associated with the pandemic on student nurses’ life satisfaction and psychological well-being through the intermediary role of resilience. BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has brought additional stress to those in nursing programs, who were already under high pressure. This has resulted in increased mental and psychological issues in student nurses. The role of resilience as a mediator reducing the effects of pandemic-associated stress on student nurses’ outcomes remains unexplored. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: This was an online survey that used four standardized scales and was completed by 301 student nurses in the Philippines. The data were collected from September 2020 to October 2020. RESULTS: Filipino student nurses experienced stress associated with the pandemic at a high level; however, their resilience, life satisfaction and psychological well-being were found to be moderate to high. Increased pandemic-associated stress was associated with reduced life satisfaction and poorer psychological well-being. Further, resilience was found to reduce the negative effects of pandemic-associated stress on the life satisfaction and psychological well-being of student nurses. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of building resilience in student nurses during the coronavirus pandemic to sustain their mental and psychological well-being and improve their life satisfaction.