Fear, anxiety and stress in midwifery students: An integrative review of the literature

Serena Neri; Francesca Frati; Giuseppe Marletta; Margaret Smith; Sofia Colaceci

doi:10.23750/abm.2026.17623

Fear, anxiety and stress in midwifery students: An integrative review of the literature

Authors

Serena Neri Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Surgical and Medical Department, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy.
Francesca Frati Surgical and Medical Department , University of Parma, Parma, Italy; University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Giuseppe Marletta Surgical and Medical Department , University of Parma, Parma, Italy; University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Margaret Smith Departmental Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University of Rome and Medical Sciences (UniCamillus), Rome, Italy
Sofia Colaceci Departmental Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University of Rome and Medical Sciences (UniCamillus), Rome, Italy

Keywords:

fear, anxiety, stress, midwifery students, internship, mentor

Abstract

Background and aim: Health professions students experience higher levels of stress than peers enrolled in other study pathway and, in particular, midwifery students have a 40% prevalence of stress. Students subjected to stressful situations may experience negative repercussions on their academic performance. The aim is to examine the literature related to the sources of fear, anxiety and stress of midwifery students.

Methods: Integrative literature review. The databases CINAHL, PubMed and Embase were searched for articles published until 2025.

Results: The search generated 13 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Three areas were identified that can generate fear, anxiety and stress in students enrolled in an undergraduate degree in midwifery: Academics, Internship, and Personal. Of these, the area of Internship was reported in all the reviewed articles. Within the area of Internship, the greatest source of negative emotions was the relationship with their mentor

Conclusions: Midwifery students experience significant stress during their undergraduate studies, particularly during internships. Our findings show that interpersonal relationships, especially a students’ relationship with their mentors are a key contributor to emotional distress. The impact on the well-being of the students can be profound, and this highlights the need to investigate which interventions might mitigate these challenges and improve the learning experience.

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