The relationship of well-being with psychological resilience and existence anxiety among nursing students

This study was designed in a descriptive and correlational design to examine the relationship between well-being, psychological resilience, and existential anxiety in nursing students. The sample of the research consisted of 366 nursing students from different universities reached through an online survey conducted between November 2023 and April 2024. Data collection involved the use of a Demographic Form, PERMA Scale, Existential Anxiety Scale, and Brief Resilience Scale. Data analysis included ANOVA, t-test, correlation, and regression analyses. Significant differences were found among gender, economic status, ethnic background, region of residence, type of university, career choice motivation, and academic performance. The students' levels of well-being assessed by the PERMA Well- being Scale were found to be above average, existential anxiety was at a moderate level, and psychological resilience was above average. Positive significant correlations were found between the sub-dimensions of the PERMA Well-being Scale (positive emotions, engagement, positive relationships, meaning, accomplishment) and the total PERMA Well- being score with the total score of the Psychological Resilience Scale. A statistically significant negative correlation was found with the Loneliness sub-dimension. Those expressing low levels of physical and mental health had higher existential anxiety. As well- being increased, psychological resilience increased, and existential anxiety decreased. In this context, it was found that well-being and psychological resilience had a moderate effect on existential anxiety. In multiple linear regression analysis, it has been found that existential anxiety and psychological resilience have a high level of significant relationship with well- being (R=0.601, R2=0.36, p<0.001). Accordingly, existential anxiety and psychological resilience account for 36% of the total variance in existential anxiety. Existential anxiety was found to have a high level of significant relationship with the sub-dimensions of the PERMA well-being model (p<0.001). There was also a significant relationship found between psychological resilience and the positive emotions sub-dimension (p<0.001). Accordingly, existential anxiety and psychological resilience explain 31% of the total variance in well- being. In line with these results, it was found that existential anxiety and psychological resilience have a moderate level of influence on well-being.