Mindfulness predicts student nurses' communication self-efficacy: A cross-national comparative study
Vibeke Sundling1, Annelie J Sundler2, Inger K Holmström3
1National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, Department of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University College of Southeast Norway, Kongsberg, Norway; Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University College of Southeast Norway, Drammen Norway; Science Center Health and Technology, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University College of Southeast Norway, Drammen, Norway.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to compare student nurses' communication self-efficacy, empathy, and mindfulness across two countries, and to analyse the relationship between these qualities.
Methods:
The study had a cross-sectional design. Data was collected from final year student nurses in Norway and Sweden. Communication self-efficacy, empathy, and mindfulness were reported by questionnaires; Clear-cut communication with patients, Jefferson Scale of Empathy, and Langer 14 items mindfulness scale.
Results:
The study included 156 student nurses, 94 (60%) were Swedish. The mean communication self-efficacy score was 119 (95% CI 116-122), empathy score 115 (95% CI 113-117) and mindfulness score 79 (95% CI 78-81). A Mann-Whitney test showed that Swedish students scored significantly higher on communication self-efficacy, empathy, and mindfulness than Norwegian students did. When adjusted for age, gender, and country in a multiple linear regression, mindfulness was the only independent predictor of communication self-efficacy.
Conclusion:
The Swedish student nurses in this study scored higher on communication self-efficacy, empathy, and mindfulness than Norwegian students did. Student nurses scoring high on mindfulness rated their communication self-efficacy higher.
Practice Implications:
A mindful learning approach may improve communication self-efficacy and possibly the effect of communication skills training.
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