Self-image, self-values and interpersonal values among newly graduated nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education Research
• Psychology
• Longitudinal Studies

Background:

• The transition to a new academic nursing program may impact students' personal development.
• Understanding changes in self-image and values is crucial for evaluating educational effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a new three-year academic nursing program on students' self-image and values.
• To test the hypothesis that the program would not significantly alter these personal attributes.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study conducted from 1994-1996.
• Utilized the Gordon Personality Inventory to measure self-image (Gordon A), self-values (Gordon B), and interpersonal values (Gordon C).
• Paired sample Student's t-test was employed to analyze data from nursing students across three Swedish health colleges.

Main Results:

• Significant changes in self-image and self-values were observed in nursing students post-program.
• Jönköping students showed increased cautiousness, personal relations, and orderliness, with decreased sociability.
• Växjö students demonstrated enhanced original thinking and personal relations, while Kristianstad students improved in responsibility.

Conclusions:

• The three-year academic nursing program demonstrated the capacity to significantly alter nursing students' self-image and values.
• The observed changes varied across different student cohorts and specific personality dimensions.
• The null hypothesis was rejected, indicating the program's influence on student development.