Assessment of Adjustment Problems among First-Year Nursing Students in Selected Colleges at Chennai.

Abstract

Background: The entry into professional nursing education is often accompanied by increased
academic expectations and psychosocial transitions, particularly among first-year students. Such
changes may pose challenges to effective adaptation and influence students’ overall functioning.
Objectives: This study was undertaken to assess the level of adjustment problems among first year
B.Sc. Nursing students., To find the association between the level of adjustment problems and selected
demographic variables. Methods: A quantitative descriptive research design was adopted, and 40
students were selected through a non-probability Purposive sampling technique. Data were obtained
using the Bell Adjustment Inventory and analyzed using descriptive statistical measures. Results:
The analysis revealed that a large majority of students (97.5%) experienced moderate adjustment
difficulties, while a small proportion (2.5%) exhibited severe maladjustment. No participant was
found to have a high level of adjustment, indicating that adjustment challenges were present across
the study group. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the initial stage of nursing education involves
considerable adjustment demands, highlighting the importance of early recognition and the provision
of structured support strategies to facilitate effective adaptation and enhance student well-being.