A Correlational Study of Burnout and Mitigating Psychological Factors in Undergraduate Nursing Students

Background Evidence indicates that many nursing students exhibit signs of burnout and consider leaving nursing during nursing school. However, there is scant literature on the extent of this problem or mitigating factors. Method Undergraduate nursing students ( n = 129) participated in a correlational study examining patterns of burnout and Psychological Capital (PsyCap), a four-pronged construct that captures hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism. Burnout and PsyCap were measured using the Maslach Burnout Survey (MBI-GS) and the PsyCap Questionnaire (PCQ-24). Burn-out prevalence was calculated. Correlations were assessed using MBI-GS subscales and the PCQ-24. Bivariate regressions were used to assess the effects of PsyCap on burnout dimensions. Results High levels of exhaustion were identified, with 38.8% of the participants scoring in the overex-tended range, the first stage of burnout. Moderate PsyCap levels were found to be protective against burnout. Conclusion Strategies to increase PsyCap in nursing students may enhance well-being and reduce dropout. [ J Nurs Educ . 2025;64(X):XXX–XXX.]