Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Examining Changes in HRV and Emotion Following Artmaking with Three Different Art Materials
Published on: January 11, 2020
Enhancing Empathy Through Art: Student Perceptions of a Reflective Assignment in Women's Health Nursing Education
Kristina M Yaklin1, Megan Keiser1
1Flint School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Flint, Michigan.
Background:
Empathy is central to compassionate nursing care, yet teaching and measuring this skill, especially in online settings, remains challenging. Creative, arts-based assignments present an innovative and engaging approach to bridging this gap in nursing education.
Method:
In a nonexperimental pilot program, 52 nurse practitioner students in a graduate-level Women's Health course completed a reflective empathy essay, selecting artistic works to connect with women's health conditions. Perceptions and outcomes were assessed via an anonymous postassignment survey (Likert scale and open-ended questions).
Results:
Ninety-two percent of the students agreed the assignment improved their empathy, with most finding the creative activity enjoyable and relevant. Narrative responses reflected deeper engagement and personal insights, although some students struggled to choose a meaningful creative work. Overall, the assignment positively influenced students' perspectives on patient care.
Conclusion:
Arts-based assignments show promise for nurturing empathy in students. Future research should use validated empathy scales and expand curricular integration to confirm the effects of this pilot program.
Related Concept Videos
Empathy
Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Nursing Evaluation
Section...
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching III: Evaluation and Documentation
Nurses can use several methods to evaluate patient outcomes. For example, oral questions can assess cognitive learning, patient...
