# Bullying Behaviors and Stress (Acute and Perceived) among Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Students: The Moderating Role of Gender and Academic Majors

## TL;DR

This study explores how bullying affects stress levels in Saudi nursing and midwifery students, with gender and academic major playing a moderating role.

## Contribution

The study identifies gender and academic major as moderators in the bullying-stress relationship among nursing and midwifery students.

## Key findings

- Bullying behaviors significantly impact perceived and acute stress in students.
- Female students experience higher perceived stress from bullying, while males report more social and non-social stress.
- Nursing students are more affected by bullying in terms of perceived stress, while midwifery students report more social and non-social stress.

## Abstract

Background: Nursing and midwifery professionals’ well-being may be affected by various factors, including the bullying of new nurses. Purpose: To analyze the relationship between bullying behaviors, perceived stress, and acute stress among undergraduate nursing and midwifery students in Saudi Arabia, as well as the moderating role of gender and academic majors in this relationship. Method: A cross-sectional correlation design was used, and data were collected from 322 undergraduate nursing and midwifery students enrolled in four major nursing universities in Saudi Arabia. Results: Educational level, environment, and personal attacks had a significant negative impact on perceived and acute stress (social and non-social), while hostility toward academic achievement and direct negative behaviors had significant positive impacts on perceived and acute stress (social and non-social). Female nursing students reported a stronger impact of bullying behavior on their perceived stress, while male students reported a greater impact on social and non-social stress. Nursing students reported a stronger impact of bullying on perceived stress, while midwifery students reported a greater impact on social and non-social stress. Discussion: Nursing educators should raise awareness about the harmful effects of bullying and emphasize the importance of creating a safe, supportive learning environment.