Cultural and Gender Influences on Psychological Empowerment and Assertiveness among Nursing Students in Tripura
Abstract
Background: Nursing education requires not only clinical competence but also psychosocial attributes such as self‑esteem, psychological empowerment, and assertiveness. These constructs are critical for communication, resilience, and professional identity. However, cultural and gender influences on these attributes remain underexplored in northeastern India, particularly in Tripura, where traditional norms and hierarchical structures may shape students’ psychological development. Aim: To examine the cultural and gender influences on psychological empowerment and assertiveness among nursing students in Tripura, and to identify predictors of assertive behaviour. Methods: A cross‑sectional descriptive‑correlational study was conducted among 400 B.Sc. Nursing students were selected through stratified random sampling. Standardised tools were used: Rosenberg Self‑Esteem Scale, Spreitzer’s Psychological Empowerment Scale, and Rathus Assertiveness Schedule. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t‑tests, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Female and rural students reported significantly lower levels of self-esteem, empowerment, and assertiveness than male and urban students (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed moderate positive associations among self‑esteem, empowerment, and assertiveness (r = 0.36–0.42, p < 0.01). Regression analysis identified self‑esteem (β = 0.29, p < 0.01), empowerment (β = 0.25, p < 0.01), and gender (β = 0.21, p < 0.05) as significant predictors of assertiveness, explaining 27% of the variance (R² = 0.27). Conclusion: Self‑esteem, empowerment, and assertiveness are interdependent constructs that significantly influence nursing students' professional readiness. Female and rural students are particularly disadvantaged, reflecting sociocultural and institutional barriers. Culturally sensitive interventions such as mentorship, empowerment workshops, and assertiveness training are recommended to strengthen resilience, confidence, and professional identity in nursing education.