Context:

Nursing students (NS) have a high level of positive mental health (PMH), an aspect that since a positive approach was associated with the soft skills of self-compassion, resilience, empathy and self-efficacy; however, few studies have analyzed the relationship between PMH and social skills (SS) as a socially capable behavior to behave in an assertive manner.

Objective:

To determine the association between the PMH and the SS in NS of three universities in Peru.

Methodology:

Cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study, carried out in 2020 using a Google Forms form. The PMH scale (Lluch Canut, 2000) and the SS scale (Gismero, 2010) were used. The sample consisted of 392 NS selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling. To determine the association, two multiple linear regression models were applied, with a significance level of 0.01.

Results:

NS were found to have a high level of PMH (73,5%), a medium level of SS (57.9%). The variables that are related to the PMH in a positive way were: occupation (B=0,11, p<0,05), self-expression in social situations (B=0,52, p<0,001), ability to make requests (B=0.18, p<0.001) and SS (B=0.55, p<0.001); and negatively, the expression of anger or disagreement (B= -0,11, p=0,04)

Conclusions:

There is an association between PMH and SS; therefore, to maintain the high level of PMH that NS have, it is suggested to implement multidisciplinary interventions aimed at strengthening the SS, particularly in those who only dedicate themselves to study.