Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was designed to explore the relationship of depression with stress, anxiety and mindfulness in nursing students in 2010.
METHODS
A cross-sectional design was used and data was collected through structured questionnaires. Depression, stress, anxiety, and mindfulness were measured by using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). The data were analyzed using t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression.
RESULTS
A total of 131 nursing students participated in this study. Depression was positively associated with stress (r=.81, p<.001) and anxiety (r=.76, p<.001), and negatively associated with mindfulness (r=-.73, p<.001). Multiple regression analyses showed that in different type of residence, anxiety and mindfulness were statistically significant predictors of depression with explanatory power of 67%.
CONCLUSION
When nurse instructors manage depression among nursing students, the strategies need to address stress, anxiety, and mindfulness. This study may help nursing students to better manage their depression.