Mindfulness, Gratitude, and Self-Compassion as Sequential Mediators Between Life Stress and the Outcomes of Stress Response and Mental Well-Being among Korean Nursing Students

Datos Bibliográficos

ID22006552
AutoresYoung Im Cho (0000-0003-0184-7599, Duksung Women's University), Hyo Jin Kim (0009-0009-6865-1735, Seoul National University), Dong Hee Kim (0000-0002-9514-9734, Sungshin Women's University, autor de correspondencia)
Año2026
Volumen16
Número1
Fecha de publicación2026-01-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaSAGE Open (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2158-2440 • E-ISSN: 2158-2440
EditorialSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/21582440251414281
OpenAlexW7123639630
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas34

Stress adversely affects physical and mental health, particularly among nursing students. This study examined a serial mediation model in which mindfulness promotes gratitude and self-compassion, which in turn mediates the effect of life stress on stress response and mental well-being among nursing students in South Korea. A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing a convenience sample of 89 junior and senior nursing students from a university in Seoul, South Korea. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires, assessing life stress, stress response, mindfulness, gratitude disposition, self-compassion, and mental well-being. Descriptive statistics, t -tests, Pearson’s correlations, and bootstrapping analyses were conducted to test the hypothesized serial mediation model. The results revealed a significant pathway linking life stress to stress response through the serial mediation of mindfulness and gratitude disposition, as well as the pathway through mindfulness and self-compassion. Moreover, mindfulness’s indirect effect was not significant. These findings indicate that mindfulness, gratitude disposition, and self-compassion mediate life stress, stress response, and mental well-being. Consequently, developing integrated intervention programs that combine these psychological resources may assist nursing students in managing stress more effectively and enhance their overall well-being

Burnout · Gratitude · Mediation · Mental health · Mindfulness · Stress management · Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction