Analysis of Adversity Quotient of Nursing Students in Macao: A Cross-Section and Correlation Study.

Abstract

Background Many studies have shown that people's success depends not only on intelligence and technical ability, but also on their resilience and ability to overcome adversity, which is called adversity quotient (AQ). Objectives To investigate the AQ of Macao undergraduate nursing students and to analyse its influencing factors in order to understand how best to cultivate their AQ. Methods A Cross-Section and Correlation design was chosen and a convenience sampling method (n=158 valid) was used to select nursing students from a tertiary institute in Macao. In addition to demographic questions the adversity scale, emotional intelligence (EI) scale, simplified coping style questionnaire and the Chinese version of parental styles scale, were used to assess the student’s characteristics. Results The average AQ score of the students was 116.72±11.39. AQ scores were negatively correlated with coping-negative, and maternal style (excessive interference, excessive protection) (r=-0.332, p<0.001; r=-0.167, p=0.036). Coping-negative entered the regression equation (F=19.154, p<0.001). The female nursing students had higher AQ-ownership scores than their male counterparts (t=-4.442, p<0.001). Conclusions The average AQ scores of Macao undergraduate nursing students was moderate. The female nursing students are more likely to attribute the cause of adversity to themselves. Specific psychosocial and cultural issues maybe at play and there is a necessity for Macao nursing students to improve their ability to overcome setbacks. Special attention should be paid to the cultivation of students’ positive coping styles.