Self-disclosure, empathy and anxiety in nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Psychological Health
• Healthcare Professionals

Background:

• Anxiety is a prevalent issue among nurses, potentially impacting patient care.
• Understanding the factors influencing nurse anxiety is crucial for developing effective support strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between self-disclosure, empathy, and anxiety levels in nurses.
• To identify potential psychological predictors of anxiety within the nursing profession.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 255 nurses from Turkish hospitals.
• Data collection utilized the Self-Disclosure Scale (SDS), Basic Empathy Scale (BES), and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation was observed between self-disclosure (SDS), empathy (BES), and state-trait anxiety (STAI).
• Higher levels of self-disclosure and empathy were associated with increased anxiety scores in the participating nurses.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest a complex interplay between self-disclosure, empathy, and anxiety in nurses.
• Psychiatric nurses should implement interventions like psychotherapy, counseling, and training to mitigate nurse anxiety.
• Assessing nurses' self-disclosure and empathy skills is recommended to tailor support and address individual needs.