Perceptions of sex-role stereotypes, self-concept, and nursing role ideal in Chinese nursing students

Aim. This study examined the relationship between sex-role stereotypes, self-concept and the requisite personality characteristics of an ideal nurse in a cohort of Hong Kong nursing students. Methods. To rate these concepts it measure of eight comprehensive dimensions of personality perception was administered to 177 nursing students, studying on preregistration and postregistration programs at a Hong Kong tertiary institution. Both male and female nursing students perceived an ideal nurse to possess a profile of traits including being high on the dimensions of emotional stability, application, intellect, helpfulness and restraint. Results. No significant difference between the self-ratings of the male and female students was found, indicating that male students had undergone a highly self selective process when choosing nursing education tinder the influence of Chinese cultural stereotypical attitudes towards nursing. A typical Chinese nurse was rated as similar to the typical female in Chinese society by both male and female nursing students. A typical Chinese nurse was rated relatively low on the masculine dimensions of openness, extroversion and assertiveness. The self-ratings of male nursing students more closely approximated the ideal nurse than did the self-ratings of female nursing students. Conclusion. The conclusions highlight implications for the recruitment and education of both male and female nursing Students in Hong Kong society.