Exploring the connection between ego-resiliency and health behaviors: a case study of Polish health sciences students

Abstract

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ego-resiliency and the intensity of health behaviors among Polish health sciences students. Methods: The study involved 483 students fromhealth-related faculties insouthern Poland, consisting of 314 women (63.7%) and 179 men (36.3%). The average age of the participants was 21.7±2.5 years. To assess resiliency, theEgo-Resiliency Scale (ER89-R12) by Block and Kremen was used in its Polish adaptation. The intensity of health behaviors was examined using the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) developed by Z. Juczyński. Results: The results revealed a positive correlation between the intensity of health behaviors and ER (r=0.43, p<0.001), both for the general factor and its specific categories. Students with a high level of health behaviors exhibited significantly higher ER (M=38.95, SD=5.15) compared to those with average (M=35.93, SD=5.03) and low (M=32.97, SD=5.12) HBI levels. Among the HBI categories, Positive Mental Attitude showed the strongest correlation with ER. Furthermore, the correlation was found to be stronger with the optimal regulation factor and weaker with openness to life experiences. Conclusion: Higher ER in students is correlatedwith a greater likelihood of engaging in health behaviors consistently. Nurturing the development of ERmay contribute to the maintenance of prohealth practices despite life difficulties and temporary loss of motivation. This, in turn, promotes the regularity of health behaviors, which is crucial for their positive impact on overall health.