Investigation the correlation between psychological empowerment and assertiveness in nursing and midwifery students in Iran

Background Assertiveness is a key skill for nurses and midwives, and should be considered in the students' education. In this regard, variables such as psychological empowerment, which may have a significant correlation with assertiveness, should be identified and studied. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between psychological empowerment and assertiveness in nursing and midwifery students. Design: A cross-sectional and correlational study. Settings: /Participants: This study was carried out on 200 Iranian nursing and midwifery students. Methods: The students were randomly selected for the study. The study tools were The Rathus' Assertiveness Schedule and Spreitzer's Psychological Empowerment Scale. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: There was a positive and significant correlation between psychological empowerment and assertiveness. The components of meaning and self-determination had a positive and significant correlation with the assertiveness. Conclusions: Since psychological empowerment and assertiveness in decision-making and interaction with colleagues and patients are considered as essential skills for nurses and midwives, we recommend that, required measures should be taken to promote these skills in nursing and midwifery students.