일부지역 치위생학과 학생의 그릿, 긍정적 사고 및 스트레스 대처가 대학생활적응에 미치는 영향성

Effects of Grit, Positive Thinking, and Coping with Stress on College Life Adjustment among Dental Hygiene Students in Selected South Korean Regions

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationships among grit, positive thinking, coping with stress, and college life adjustment in dental hygiene students and to provide foundational data for interventions that could enhance college adaptation. Methods: Between April 7 and 21, 2025, dental hygiene students from the Daejeon and Chungcheong regions were recruited using convenience sampling. The purpose and procedures of the study were fully explained, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to those who voluntarily agreed to participate. The instruments comprised 12 items measuring grit, 18 items on positive thinking, 24 items on coping with stress, and 19 items on college life adjustment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to assess variable levels, t-tests and one-way ANOVA with Scheffé post-hoc tests to examine differences by general characteristics, Pearson’s correlation method to explore relationships among variables, and multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of college life adjustment. Results: Grit, positive thinking, and coping with stress were identified as significant predictors of college life adjustment, collectively explaining 59.1% of the variance. Conclusions: The results suggest that these psychological factors play a critical role in students’ adaptation to college life. Academic institutions should implement comprehensive support programs, including stress management interventions, structured counseling, peer mentoring, and participation in extracurricular activities, to foster positive thinking, effective methods of handling stress, and overall successful adjustment among dental hygiene students.