Paper
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
This presentation is part of : Student to Nurse: A Cohort Study to Predict Success of Nursing Students
The Influence of Psychological Empowerment and Stress Resiliency on Nursing Student Success
Ann St. Germain, RNC, MSN, Anne Young, RN, EdD, and Peggy A. Landrum, PhD, RN, CS. College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX, USA

Psychological empowerment (PE) and stress resiliency are two types of orientations that influence individual responses to stressful situations. This study assesses the influence of these two psychological constructs on nursing student success while enrolled in a baccalaureate program. This study is part of a longitudinal, 4 year cohort study examining the relationship between stressors and student success. The population consisted of 125 junior nursing students entering an upper division baccalaureate program taught on two health science campuses located in two large metropolitan areas.

Psychological Empowerment, as measured by Spreitzer’s 12 item PE Questionnaire, is composed of four orientations (meaning, competence, self determination, and impact) that play a key role in mediating behavioral responses to a situation. Stress Resiliency, as measured by the Stress Resiliency Profile, reflects how individuals appraise their situation through the lens of three perceptions: (a) deficiency focusing where negative thinking dominates over positive aspects, (b) necessitating which focuses on perceived demands as being inflexible and obligatory, and (c) skill recognition where personal capabilities are associated with ability to manage tasks. Student success is measured by Grade Point Average, attrition, and semester absenteeism.

At the beginning of Fall 2006, data collection commenced utilizing a standardized interview schedule containing study measures. Through face to face interviews, each of the 40 investigative team members gathered baseline data for a caseload of 3 to 5 students to be followed by repeated data collection at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters.

Findings: Baseline data for Psychological Empowerment, Stress Resiliency, and measures of student success are completed.  An additional fall and a spring data collection period will complete the first year study year.

Conclusions and Implications: Psychological empowerment and stress resiliency have the potential to influence students’ perceived capabilities in responding to academic demands of nursing programs and ensuring success.