The effect of aged simulation suit on nursing students' empathy, attitudes, and willingness to care for older adults: Experimental trial mixed-method study.
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| Title: | The effect of aged simulation suit on nursing students' empathy, attitudes, and willingness to care for older adults: Experimental trial mixed-method study. |
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| Authors: | Güney, Seda, Çiçek Doğan, Özlem |
| Source: | Educational Gerontology. Aug2025, Vol. 51 Issue 8, p902-915. 14p. |
| Subjects: | Psychology of college students, Empathy, Attitudes toward aging, Geriatric nursing, Research funding, Placebos, Occupational adaptation, Patient safety, Educational outcomes, Clinical trials, Content analysis, Health occupations students, Health, Emotions, Behavior, Reflection (Philosophy), Simulation methods in education, Experience, Students, Control groups, Pre-tests & post-tests, Thematic analysis, Patience, Aging, Research methodology, Communication, Patient-professional relations, Student attitudes, Comparative studies, Quality assurance, Nursing students, Social isolation, Dependency (Psychology), Preventive health services |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the impact of age simulation suits on nursing students' empathy, attitudes, and willingness to care for older adults. An experimental trial with a mixed-method design was conducted during the spring semester of the 2023–2024 academic year, involving 43 third-year nursing students. The intervention group (n = 23) wore age simulation suits, while the control group (n = 20) wore placebo clothing. Pre- and post-testt assessments measured empathy, attitudes toward older adults, and willingness to work with them. Content analysis was performed on the intervention group's experiences. Results indicated a significant increase in the intervention group's willingness to work with older adults after the simulation (Z = –3.232, p <.001; Hedges' g: 0.819). However, no significant changes were observed in empathy or attitude scores (p >.05), and the control group showed no significant changes in any measured variables (p >.05). Content analysis revealed four key themes related to students' feelings: (i) isolation and dependency, (ii) physical challenges and limitations, (iii) emotional responses and empathy, and (iv) changes in behavior and perception. Additionally, four main themes regarding new learnings were identified: (i) understanding and empathy, (ii) patience and communication, (iii) practical challenges and adaptation, and (iv) long-term impact and reflection. Two themes emerged on how nursing students can best approach older adults in their future practice: (i) enhancing care through empathy and training and (ii) promoting safety and well-being through preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | This study investigates the impact of age simulation suits on nursing students' empathy, attitudes, and willingness to care for older adults. An experimental trial with a mixed-method design was conducted during the spring semester of the 2023–2024 academic year, involving 43 third-year nursing students. The intervention group (n = 23) wore age simulation suits, while the control group (n = 20) wore placebo clothing. Pre- and post-testt assessments measured empathy, attitudes toward older adults, and willingness to work with them. Content analysis was performed on the intervention group's experiences. Results indicated a significant increase in the intervention group's willingness to work with older adults after the simulation (Z = –3.232, p <.001; Hedges' g: 0.819). However, no significant changes were observed in empathy or attitude scores (p >.05), and the control group showed no significant changes in any measured variables (p >.05). Content analysis revealed four key themes related to students' feelings: (i) isolation and dependency, (ii) physical challenges and limitations, (iii) emotional responses and empathy, and (iv) changes in behavior and perception. Additionally, four main themes regarding new learnings were identified: (i) understanding and empathy, (ii) patience and communication, (iii) practical challenges and adaptation, and (iv) long-term impact and reflection. Two themes emerged on how nursing students can best approach older adults in their future practice: (i) enhancing care through empathy and training and (ii) promoting safety and well-being through preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 03601277 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/03601277.2024.2418107 |
