Factor affecting happiness among nursing students in South Korea

Abstract

Introduction: Happiness is very important in the training and development of nurs- ing students as future nurses. However, nursing students experience a high level of stress and low level of happiness in South Korea. Aim: This study aimed to investi- gate factors that affect happiness among nursing students in South Korea. Method: Data were collected from a total of 241 nursing enrolled in two 4-year baccalaureate nursing programmes in South Korea, using a self-administrated questionnaire. To identify predictors of happiness, stepwise regression analysis was con- ducted. Results: The results indicated that grateful disposition and support from intimate people significantly predict happiness among Korean nursing students. These two factors accounted for 38.0% of the variance in happiness. Discussion: This study indicated grateful disposition and support from intimate people as factors promoting happiness in nursing students. The findings highlight grateful disposition and support from intimate people as important factors when developing effective interventions that foster nursing students’ happiness.