Effects of Test Anxiety and Self-Esteem on Depression in Junior and Senior Nursing Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how test anxiety and self-esteem affects depression in junior and senior nursing students. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the 167 nursing students at C and M University in Jeonnam-do. The data was collected between April and May 2023. The data were analyzed using independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, Sheffe's post hoc test, descriptive statistics, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS 22.0 program. The results of this study showed that depression was significantly different from nursing students' course satisfaction (F=12.128, p<.001) and adjustment to school life (t=27.361, p<.001). In addition, depression was positively related to test anxiety (r=.640, p<.001) and negatively related to selfesteem (r=.640, p=<.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that self-esteem was a significant factor affecting depression in senior nursing students (β=.-0.317, p<.001), with an explanatory power of 29.9%. In conclusion, to reduce depression in senior nursing students, it is necessary to provide students with various ways to reduce test anxiety, which affects depression. In addition, it is necessary to increase self-esteem, which is also a factor in depression. This can be done by developing and delivering an individualized self-esteem program that is tailored to the individual's characteristics.