Nursing Students’ Personality Traits and Their Attitude toward Artificial Intelligence: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background. Despite the importance of studying factors contributing to nursing students’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence, yet according to our knowledge, no study has addressed the relationship between personality traits and the attitude of nursing students toward artificial intelligence. Aim. This study aimed to unveil whether nursing students’ personality traits are related to their attitude toward AI. Methods. This multicenter cross-sectional study included 218 nursing students from three governmental universities across various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were gathered online, utilizing the Big Five Inventory, the General Attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analysis were employed. The research complied with the STROBE checklist. Results. Findings indicated that nursing students with a high score in the openness trait displayed positive attitudes toward artificial intelligence. Conversely, those who scored high in neuroticism and agreeableness exhibited fewer positive attitudes toward artificial intelligence and more negative attitudes toward artificial intelligence. Additionally, nursing students who ranked high in conscientiousness showed a negative attitude toward artificial intelligence. Conclusion. Except for extraversion, personality traits appear to predict attitudes toward artificial intelligence. Implications for Nursing Management. The current study provides a foundation for understanding how generative AI can be integrated into nursing education and practice in a manner that is both effective and considerate of the diverse psychological profiles of students.