Exploring the Psychosocial Domain of the Social Determinants of Learning™ Framework: Predictors of Perceived Stress and Resilience in Prenursing Students.

Background: The Social Determinants of Learning™ framework can be used to conceptualize the influence of psychosocial health among students applying to nursing programs. Little is known about variables that may influence psychosocial health in these students.

Purpose: To describe demographic and mental health variables that predict perceived stress and resilience levels in accelerated online prenursing students.

Methods: A cross-sectional, survey-based, observational design was utilized.

Results: Participants were mostly female and from diverse backgrounds. Lower levels of perceived stress were predicted by lower levels of anxiety and higher levels of resilience and self-compassion. Higher levels of resilience were predicted by male gender, higher perceptions of current ability to manage stress, and higher levels of self-compassion.

Conclusion: Incorporating knowledge and skills to support the growth of self-compassion in prerequisite courses taken just prior to nursing program entry may help students to reduce perceived stress and support resilience.