Developing compassion and emotional intelligence in nursing students: A quasi-experimental study

Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2020 Oct;56(4):797-803. doi: 10.1111/ppc.12494. Epub 2020 Mar 2.

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the effect of the Caring Behavior in Nursing course on the compassion and emotional intelligence levels of nursing students.

Design and methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out using pretest and posttest design. The research sample consisted of the intervention (n = 37) and the control (n = 36) group. Data were collected through "The Emotional Intelligence Evaluation Survey" and "The Compassion Scale."

Findings: It was determined that the compassion levels of the students in the intervention group were statistically significantly higher than the compassion levels of the control group of students.

Practice implications: It was found that the Caring Behavior in Nursing course was effective in developing compassion.

Keywords: compassion; emotional intelligence; nursing education; nursing student.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate*
  • Emotional Intelligence*
  • Empathy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Students, Nursing / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires