There is strong link between social support (SS) and reduced stress among nursing students (NS), yet no research to date has investigated the variables mediating this association. Our study investigated the mediating influences of positive and negative effects in the relationship between SS and stress among NS in Nigeria. Participants were 365 (male = 77; female = 288; Mean age = 22.28; SD = 4.22). NS were conveniently sampled from three nursing schools located in three states in the South East Nigeria. Participants completed measures of SS, positive/negative effects (PA/NA), and stress. The findings showed that PA/NA mediated the association between stress and SS. These results indicate that increased SS would result in higher PA, which in turn would lead to reduced stress. Reduced SS, on the other hand, will result in increased NA, which in turn could lead to increased stress. Our findings highlighted the significance of emotional valences in the understanding and management of stress among NS.
Keywords: Mediation; nursing students; perceived stress; positive and negative affects; social support.