Association of Perfectionism with Job Search Behavior and Career Distress among Nursing Students in South Korea

Abstract

Purpose: Understanding the influence of perfectionism among senior nursing students is imperative for addressing strategies to reduce career distress and enhance job search behavior. The purpose of this study was to identify perfectionism types among senior nursing students in South Korea. Differences in career distress and enhanced job search behavior for each perfectionism type were compared.Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive design was employed. A total of 211 nursing students completed surveys for Perfectionism, Job Search Behavior, and Career Distress. Cluster analysis and post-hoc tests were conducted.Results: A total of 80.1% were classified into the perfectionism group, including adaptive (49.8%) and maladaptive (30.3%). Maladaptive groups showed the highest discrepancy between standards and their perceived achievements as well as career distress. Job search behavior was the highest in the adaptive perfectionism group but the lowest in the non-perfectionism group.Conclusion: Nursing educators should consider career coaching customized by each perfectionism type to improve job search behavior among nursing students.