The Effect of Forum Theatre on Nursing Students' Ageist Attitudes Towards Older Adults

Ageism is a significant issue among nurses and nursing students and has a negative impact on the care provided to older adults. Education programmes are an effective way of combating ageism among nurses by raising awareness. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of forum theatre training in improving nursing students' attitudes towards ageism.

This study employed a quasi-experimental single-group pre-/post-test design, supported by qualitative data obtained from open-ended questions. Nursing students and ageing awareness training were implemented through forum theatre. The intervention comprised three weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 4 h, with a warm-up, play and forum phase led by a facilitator ('Joker'), held once per week over 3 weeks. Each session involved enacting a different scenario depicting ageism in everyday contexts. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, a Forum Theatre Feedback Form and the Fraboni Scale of Ageism, which was administered both pre- and post-test. Quantitative data were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, whereas qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.

Forum theatre training increased nursing students' awareness of ageism (p < 0.05). In addition, nursing students stated that taking part in forum theatre training had increased their knowledge and empathy skills regarding ageism, as well as their social awareness. Participants also reported greater confidence in caring for older adults.

This small-scale study produced promising results. Further research with larger, more diverse samples, using a randomised controlled trial design, is recommended to confirm these findings and support their broader integration into nursing education programmes.