Psychological distress in health sciences college students and its relationship with academic engagement

Authors

  • Cristina Liébana-Presa University of Leon
  • Mª Elena Fernández-Martínez University of Leon; Department of Nursing and Physical Therapy
  • África Ruiz Gándara University of Cordobaa; Department of Statistics, Econometrics, Operative Research, Business Organization and Applied Economics
  • Mª Carmen Muñoz-Villanueva Maimonides Institute of Biomedical Research of Cordoba
  • Ana María Vázquez-Casares University of Leon; Department of Nursing and Physical Therapy
  • Mª Aurora Rodríguez-Borrego University of Cordoba; Department of Nursing

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-623420140000400020

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of psychological distress and its relationship with academic engagement (absorption, dedication and vigor), sex and degree among students from four public universities. Method: A non-experimental,comparative correlational, quantitative investigation without intervention. Study population: 1840 nursing and physical therapy students. The data collection tool used was a questionnaire. Results: A 32.2% prevalence of psychological distress was found in the subjects; a correlation between vigor and psychological distress was found for all of the subjects and also for women. High absorption and dedication scores and low psychological distress scores predicted higher vigor scores. Conclusion: The risk of psychological distress is high, especially for women. Women seem to have a higher level of psychological distress than men. Vigor, energy and mental resilience positively influence psychological distress and can be a vehicle for better results during the learning and studying process.







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Published

2014-08-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Psychological distress in health sciences college students and its relationship with academic engagement . (2014). Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da USP, 48(4), 715-722. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-623420140000400020