Self-esteem and learning dynamics in nursing students: An existential-phenomenological study.

What led to self-esteem changes were "relationships with nurses during internships" and "receiving evaluations." The students interpreted events and drew conclusions about their aptitude for nursing, which in turn prompted proactive or defensive learning behaviours. Their interpretations both depended on their self-esteem and impacted it, in a vicious or virtuous circle. Exploring self-esteem allows a better understanding of the importance of students' relationships with nursing teams, and of some of their defensive behaviours. Understanding the role of nursing student self-esteem in the learning process could help improve student well-being and competence.