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Developing empathy for parents through the use of infant simulation dolls
Julia Petty1, Lisa Whiting1, Sheila Roberts1
1School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, England.
Nursing Children and Young People
|February 9, 2026
Summary
Infant simulation dolls enhanced empathy and reflective learning in nursing students. This valuable tool improved understanding of parenting demands, complementing traditional education for better family-centered care.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Simulation-Based Learning
- Empathy Development
Background:
- Empathy is crucial in children's nursing, particularly in addressing parental emotional needs.
- Simulation offers an effective method for developing empathy in nursing students.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate infant simulation dolls for BSc (Hons) nursing (child) students.
- To assess the value of simulation in learning and developing empathy for the parenting experience.
Main Methods:
- 37 first-year nursing students cared for an infant simulation doll at home for one week.
- 18 students completed an online survey; data were analyzed quantitatively and thematically.
Main Results:
- Students reported positive experiences, gaining understanding of parenting demands and emotional toll.
- Themes included practical use, value, clinical relevance, empathy development, and potential uses.
- Technical challenges and limited realism of dolls were noted by some participants.
Conclusions:
- Infant simulation dolls enhance empathy and reflective learning in children's nursing.
- This approach supports family-centered practice and complements traditional nursing education.
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