Social Support and Psychological Well-Being among Student Nurses with OFW Parents in a Private School in Iloilo City

Abstract

Background: Student nurses with Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) parents often experience unique emotional and social challenges due to prolonged parental absence. Understanding how social support influences their psychological well-being is essential in promoting resilience and academic success in this population. Aims: This study aimed to determine the relationship between perceived social support and psychological well-being among student nurses with Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) parents in a private school in Iloilo City. Specifically, it assessed the level of social support, the level of psychological well-being, and the significant relationship between these variables. Study Design: A quantitative, descriptive-correlational research design was utilized. Place and Duration of Study: Iloilo Doctors' College, Iloilo City, Philippines, during the academic year 2025–2026, completed within three months. Methodology: A total of 205 student nurses with OFW parents were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using standardized instruments, namely the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale (RPWB). Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used to summarize the data. The Shapiro-Wilk test indicated non-normal distribution; thus, Spearman’s rho was employed to determine the relationship between variables. Ethical standards, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly observed. Results: Findings revealed a moderate to high level of perceived social support (M = 5.19) and a moderate level of psychological well-being (M = 3.98). Among sources of support, friends had the highest mean (M = 5.31), followed by significant others (M = 5.26) and family (M = 5.01). Inferential analysis showed a statistically significant but weak positive relationship between social support and psychological well-being (rₛ = 0.147, p = 0.036), indicating that while higher perceived social support is associated with better psychological well-being, the strength of this relationship is minimal. Conclusion: Social support plays a role in enhancing the psychological well-being of student nurses with OFW parents; however, the weak strength of correlation suggests that other factors also significantly influence psychological well-being. Strengthening support systems, alongside addressing other psychological and environmental factors, may better improve students’ mental and emotional health.