Fostering Caring and Narrative Competence Through Reflective Storytelling: A Narrative Inquiry Study

Narrative pedagogy combined with reflective writing has been increasingly recognized for its effectiveness in fostering empathy, communication skills, and reflective thinking in health care education, aligning closely with caring-related course objectives.

This qualitative narrative inquiry explored how 25 undergraduate students in a Caring and Communication course at a university interpreted and enacted caring through personal storytelling and guided reflection.

Analysis identified five core dimensions of caring narratives: story topics, modes of caring, role transformations, emotional shifts, and reflective growth. These emerged across eight thematic categories: individualized caring actions, family caregiving, clinical experiences, peer support, care for non-human others, mentor guidance, intercultural kindness, and transitions from care recipients to caregivers.

Integrating storytelling with reflective pedagogy effectively enhances students' affective learning and narrative competence. Educators are encouraged to adopt this approach to foster Gen Z students' caring and communication skills in an era increasingly shaped by technological innovation.