Effectiveness of Compassion Training on Stress and Anxiety: A Pre-Experimental Study on Nursing Students.
Nursing reports (Pavia, Italy) – November 27, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Compassion training significantly reduces stress and anxiety among nursing students, enhancing their emotional well-being. In a study involving 45 second-year nursing students, participants experienced a notable decrease in perceived stress (Cohen's d = 0.83) and state anxiety (Cohen's d = 0.74) after completing a 10-session course focused on compassion meditation and self-compassion exercises. Trait anxiety also showed improvement (Cohen's d = 0.34). Increased self-compassion was linked to better outcomes, highlighting the importance of integrating such interventions into nursing curricula for improved student mental health.
Abstract
Stress and anxiety are common problems among nursing students, affecting their mental health and academic performance. Compassion training has been shown to be effective in reducing these states. This study evaluated the effects of a compassion-based course on perceived stress and anxiety (state and trait) among nursing students at a state university in Chile. A pre-experimental design was implemented with 45 second-year students, who completed evaluations before and after the intervention. The course included 10 sessions involving compassion meditation, mindfulness, self-compassion exercises, and autonomous practice. The results showed significant reductions in and a high effect size regarding perceived stress (Cohen's d = 0.83) and state anxiety (Cohen's d = 0.74), while trait anxiety showed a moderate reduction (Cohen's d = 0.34). Mediation analysis revealed that increases in self-compassion mediated the relationship between autonomous practice time and reductions in stress and trait anxiety. These findings suggest that compassion training is an effective strategy for reducing stress and anxiety in nursing students, improving their emotional regulation and preparation for professional practice. Therefore, it is necessary to include this approach in students' curricular programs.