SELF-ESTEEM AND ASSERTIVENESS LEVELS OF NURSING STUDENTS

This study was conducted as a descriptive study to determine the self-esteem and assertiveness levels of the nursing students and the influencing factors. The universe of the research was composed of 643 students studying at Health Sciences Faculty. 426 students were included in the study. The data were collected using the "Personal Information Form", "Rathus Assertiveness Inventory (RAI)" and "Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (CSEI)" after obtaining the necessary permits. The data were analyzed using percentage, variance, regression analyses and the significance test of the difference between two mean. The average CSEI scores of the students were 68,71 +/- 17,25, 45,53% had low self-esteem and CSEI was affected by gender, the place of living, monthly income, choosing and being happy with the profession, self-identification, and their current place of residence (P <0.005). In addition, the average RAE score was 11,51 +/- 19,59 and 50.6 % were assertive at a low level. There was a moderate correlation between CSEI and RAE scores in the negative direction, but this relationship was not statistically significant (r = -0.064, p> 0.05). Considering the fact that nursing education is stressful and intensive, it is suggested to provide educational environments that will increase the levels of assertiveness and self-esteem of the students during the education process. (C) 2019 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy.org.UK