Gamification as a Tool for Understanding Mental Disorders in Nursing Students: Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Psychology
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Gamification is an innovative pedagogical strategy utilizing game elements to boost student motivation and engagement.
• Interactive tools are increasingly explored to enhance the teaching-learning process in higher education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe nursing students' perceptions of mental disorders using interactive cards as a gamification tool.
• To evaluate the impact of gamification on learning about mental health within a nursing curriculum.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study conducted with 50 first-year nursing students at a university in Madrid, Spain.
• Data collected via focus groups and reflective narratives using semistructured interviews.
• Thematic analysis of transcripts followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: perception and stigma of mental disorders, emotional connection and personal reflection, and the impact of gamification tools on learning.
• Students demonstrated enhanced engagement and a deeper exploration of the emotional and social aspects of mental disorders.
• Gamification facilitated a reduction in perceived stigma and increased personal reflection.

Conclusions:

• Gamification, particularly with interactive cards, is valuable for teaching mental disorders in nursing education.
• This approach deepens clinical understanding, fosters emotional reflection, and reduces stigma.
• Integrating gamification enhances academic and humanistic competencies crucial for mental health care professionals.