The Relationship Between Perceived Self-Efficacy and Perceived Stress in Physical Examination for Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and perceived stress in physical examination for undergraduate nursing students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 212 undergraduate nursing students. Participants completed the General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale. Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between self-efficacy and stress. Results: The results showed a significant negative correlation between perceived self-efficacy and perceived stress (r = -0.41, p < 0.001). Students with higher levels of self-efficacy reported lower levels of stress. Additionally, self-efficacy was a significant predictor of perceived stress, accounting for 23% of the variance in stress levels. Conclusion: The findings suggest that enhancing nursing students' self-efficacy may be an important strategy for reducing stress during physical examination. Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms by which self-efficacy impacts stress in this population.