An experiment in the development of empathy in student nurses
1Roding College of Health Care Studies, Hedgecock Education Centre, Barking Hospital, Essex, England.
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Student nurses showed no change in empathetic interview behaviors after training. This study explores the reasons behind the lack of observed empathy increase in nursing students.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Psychology
- Healthcare Communication
Background:
- Effective patient interviews are crucial in nursing.
- Empathetic communication skills training is a common component of nursing education.
- Psychological-mindedness may influence empathetic patient interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of empathetic training and psychological-mindedness experiences on student nurses' interview behaviors.
- To investigate changes in empathy levels among student nurses post-intervention.
- To explore potential explanations for observed outcomes in nursing education.
Main Methods:
- Student nurses participated in an empathetic training program.
- Student nurses underwent a psychological-mindedness experience.
- Specific interview behaviors of student nurses with patients were assessed pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- No significant increase or decrease in empathy was observed in student nurses' interview behaviors.
- The interventions did not alter the measured levels of empathy.
- The study did not find a direct correlation between the training and enhanced empathy.
Conclusions:
- The utilized empathetic training and psychological-mindedness experience did not demonstrably enhance empathy in student nurses' interview behaviors.
- Further research is needed to understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of empathy training in nursing education.
- The study highlights the complexity of modifying and measuring empathy in clinical practice settings.
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