Effectiveness of Compassion Training on Stress and Anxiety: A Pre-Experimental Study on Nursing Students.

A compassion-based course for nursing students in Chile reduced perceived stress and state anxiety with large effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.83 and 0.74, respectively), and trait anxiety showed a moderate reduction (Cohen's d = 0.34). The 10-session program included meditation, mindfulness, self-compassion exercises, and autonomous practice. Increases in self-compassion mediated the link between practice time and reductions in stress and trait anxiety. The findings suggest compassion training effectively lowers stress and anxiety in nursing students, supporting its inclusion in curricula.

Study at a glance

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.