Analyzing the relationship between the personality traits of nursing students and their attitudes toward people with mental illnesses

Purpose The aim is to analyze the relationship between the personality traits of nursing students and their attitudes toward people with mental illnesses. Design and Methods The cross-sectional study constituted of 281 students. The Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill Scale and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory were used. Findings The students who have mental illnesses or in their families showed a higher goodwill score. The openness to experience subscale was correlated with conscientiousness, extraversion, emotional stability, and agreeableness. Practice Implications Organizing educational programs for nursing students focusing on developing a positive attitude toward people with mental illnesses is crucial.