Bullying Behaviors and Stress (Acute and Perceived) Among Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Students: A Cross-Sectional Correlation Study

Abstract Background. Nursing education is facing ongoing challenges, including the departure of newly graduated nurses and a rise in nursing shortages. Nursing and midwifery professionals’ well-being may be affected by various factors, one of which is the bullying of new nurses. Aim. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between bullying behaviors, perceived stress, and acute stress among undergraduate nursing and midwifery students in Saudi Arabia, as well as the moderating role of gender and academic major in this relationship. Method. A cross-sectional correlation design was used, and data were collected from 322 undergraduate nursing and midwifery students enrolled in four major nursing universities in Saudi Arabia. Structural equation modeling using SPSS AMOS version 27 was employed to analyze the results. Results. Educational level, environment, and personal attacks had a significant negative impact on perceived and acute stress (social and non-social), while the other factors, i.e., hostility toward academic achievement and direct negative behaviors, had a significant positive impact on perceived and acute stress (social and non-social). Female nursing students reported a stronger impact of bullying behavior on their perceived stress, while male students reported a greater impact on social and non-social stress. Nursing students reported a stronger impact of bullying on perceived stress, while midwifery students reported a greater impact on social and non-social stress. Discussion. Based on the findings of the study, we recommend taking drastic measures to reduce bullying behaviors among undergraduate nursing students and thereby reduce these students perceived and acute stress. Nursing educators should raise awareness about the harmful effects of bullying and emphasize the importance of creating a safe, supportive learning environment.