OCCUPATION AND HEALTH ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (5): 680-686.

• Treatise • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Impact of academic pressure on positive mental health among nursing students and the mediating role of self-compassion

ZHANG Yuhong1, ZHU Zhuqing1, HU Cenxing1, WANG Jiyuan1, XU Yan2(), GAO Ya1   

  1. 1. Jiangsu Food & Pharmaceutical Science College,Huai'an,Jiangsu 223003,China
    2. The Second People's Hospital of Huai'an,Huai'an,Jiangsu 223022,China
  • Received:2025-07-29 Revised:2025-08-11 Online:2026-03-01 Published:2026-03-10
  • Contact: XU Yan,E-mail:2386502356@qq.com
  • About author:XU Yan,E-mail:2386502356@qq.com

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the impact of academic pressure on the positive mental health of nursing students,explore the mediating role of self-compassion and social support in the relationship between academic pressure and positive mental health,and provide a research basis for universities to carry out psychological health interventions for nursing students. Methods In December 2024,a survey was conducted on 342 nursing students from a vocational college using the college student academic pressure inventory,the short form of the mental health continuum,the short form of the self-compassion scale,and the perceived social support scale. Results The mean scores for academic pressure,positive mental health,perceived social support,and self-compassion were (149.03±31.68),(38.59±13.31),(51.23±12.52) and (36.72±7.95)points,respectively. Academic pressure showed a negative correlation with positive mental health(r=-0.357,P<0.01),whereas self-compassion and social support were negatively correlated with academic pressure(r=-0.271,-0.248,both P<0.01),and positively correlated with positive mental health(r=0.498, 0.433,both P<0.01). Self-compassion mediated the relationship between academic pressure and positive mental health,with an indirect effect of -0.146,accounting for 30.43% of the total effect. Social support played a moderating role between academic pressure and positive mental health. Conclusion Enhancing self-compassion and social support may help improve the mental well-being of nursing students in higher education.

Key words: Academic pressure, Positive mental health, Self-compassion, Social support, Nursing students, Mediation effect, Moderation effect

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