The Mediating Roles of Emotional Expression and Self-Esteem in the Relationship Between Social Problem Solving and Psychological Well-Being of Nursing Students

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: The main purpose of nursing education is to make students self-confident, healthy professionals who can solve their problems.This study aimed to the examination of the mediating roles of emotional expression and self-esteem in the relationship between social problem solving and psychological well-being of nursing students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in an analytical cross-sectional design. The sample consists of 476 nursing students. Data were collected using the Social Problem Solving Scale (SPSI), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), the Expression of Emotions Scale (EEQ), and the Psychological Well-Being Scale (RPWBS). The data were evaluated by process analysis and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: The analyzes revealed that a strong positive relationship exists between psychological well-being and social problem-solving skills. We found that social problem-solving skills have a positive impact on psychological well-being and emotional expression has a mediating role on this relationship. However, we determined that self-esteem does not have a mediating role in this relationship. Conclusion: Findings revealed the importance of self-reinforcing and different personal development-oriented trainings to improve students' psychological well-being. We recommended to gain communication and problem-solving skills that will strengthen the psychological well-being of the student in the development of professional self.