Prediction of Empathy, Self-Awareness, and Perceived Stress Among Nursing Students

Shaher H Hamaideh
The Hashemite University

Abstract

Background: High levels of empathy and self-awareness as well as low level of stress among nursing students are the core elements of improving patients' care and outcomes. Purposes: To assess the levels, relationships, and predictors of empathy, self-awareness, perceived stress, and demographics in a sample of undergraduate Jordanian nursing students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from 330 students using a web-based survey. The survey consisted of Demographic sheet, Self-Consciousness Scale, Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale. Results: The total mean scores of empathy, self-awareness, and perceived stress were 75.75, 40.17, and 55.65, respectively. Students who are studying in public universities, with higher GPA, who have no intention to leave nursing, and who are satisfied with nursing; reported higher level of empathy. Students with lower income level, who have no intention to leave nursing, and who are satisfied with nursing; reported higher level of self-awareness. Female students, who sleeping less, who did not get a well-balanced diet or perform exercise regularly, who are studying in public universities, with lower GPA, have intention to leave nursing, and who did not satisfy with nursing; reported higher level of perceived stress. Recommendations: There is a need for effective strategies and interventional programs that foster the levels of empathy and self-awareness, and decrease the level of perceived stress. More attention should be focused on ways to enhance and improve self-awareness.

Presentation