Stigma Associated With Academic Failure in Nursing Education: A Triangulated Qualitative Study of Nursing Students and Nurse Educators
Esther Albertinah Mpangane, Nkhensani Florence Mabunda, Deliwe Rene PhetlhuABSTRACT
Aim
To integrate the perspectives of repeating nursing students, nurse educators, and non‐repeating nursing students to understand how stigma associated with academic failure manifests within nursing education institutions.
Design
Qualitative triangulation study.
Methods
Data were collected across four campuses of a South African nursing education institution using individual semi‐structured interviews with repeating nursing students ( n = 8) and focus group discussions with nurse educators ( n = 47; nine groups) and non‐repeating nursing students ( n = 51; nine groups). Participants were purposively sampled based on their direct experience of the phenomenon. Data were analysed using thematic analysis within each participant group, followed by triangulation to identify convergence, divergence, and complementarity across datasets.
Results
Stigma associated with academic failure operated across interpersonal, structural, and internalised levels. Five integrated themes were identified: (1) stigmatising behaviours and labelling; (2) institutional policies and administrative practices; (3) peer exclusion and professional conduct; (4) psychological and financial consequences; and (5) coping responses and resilience. Participants described public identification as ‘repeaters’, inequitable treatment, financial hardship after stipend withdrawal, diminished confidence, anxiety, and social isolation.
Conclusion
Stigma associated with academic failure is systemically embedded within nursing education and reinforced through educator practices, peer interactions, and institutional systems. Multilevel interventions are required to foster equitable, psychologically safe, and inclusive learning environments.
Impact
Findings provide evidence to guide educator development, anti‐stigma interventions, student support initiatives, and policy reform within nursing education institutions.
Patient/Public Contribution
No patient or public involvement occurred in the design, conduct, reporting, or dissemination of this study beyond participation of nursing students and nurse educators as research participants.