Abstract

The purpose of study was to examine the correlation among self-esteem, interpersonal relationship and depression. Descriptive correlative study was used for the design of this study, and the subjects were 431 persons who are students in nursing college. Data was collected from September, 2009 to October, 2009. Data analysis was investigated by using frequency, descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficients. The results of study were as follows. There was a significant positive correlation between self-esteem and interpersonal relationship while there was a negative correlation between self-esteem and depression. Also, there was a significant negative correlation between interpersonal relationship and depression. Especially, it was found that following students are vulnerable to depression: students who are struggling with a financial problem, who have an introvert character, who live by themselves or live with relatives rather than their parents, who are either rebellious or submissive to their parents, who did not concern their aptitude when they applied to college, who are not satisfied with college life or who are extremely unsatisfied, as well as who drink more than 3 times per week or smoke cigarette. Therefore, in order resolve depression dilemma of nursing students, it is important to intensely consider counseling and emotion supporting program through more systematical prevention and mediation focusing on groups with high risk. (Korean J Str Res 2010;18:109∼118)

• Keywords: Nursing student, Self-esteem, Interpersonal relationship, Depression;