Factors associated with academic resilience in nursing students: the role of individual, academic, and social factors

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Academic resilience is a critical determinant of progress. Nursing students face significant stress due to both theoretical and clinical challenges. This study aimed to identify the level of academic resilience and its statistically associated factors among nursing students using self-report measures. METHODS: In this correlational study, 375 undergraduate nursing students from three major medical universities in Tehran were selected via stratified random sampling (proportional to strata size) during April-May 2025. Data collection utilized the Academic Resilience Scale (ARS) and a researcher-developed questionnaire (validated via content and face validity). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, and multiple linear regression, with careful monitoring of residual diagnostics and multicollinearity (VIF). RESULTS: The students’ mean academic resilience score was 89.89 ± 12.49, indicating a moderate-to-high level. Regression analysis identified seven significant statistical predictors: gender, health status, living situation, satisfaction with major, support resources, nutrition, and non-smoking. These factors collectively explained 19.6% (Adjusted R²) of the variance in resilience. CONCLUSION: While several individual and social factors are associated with resilience, the cross-sectional nature of the study limits causal inferences. Interventions focusing on lifestyle and support systems may enhance resilience.