Critical thinking disposition, problem solving process, and empathy among Nursing Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between nursing students’ empathy and their critical thinking disposition and problem solving process. For this purpose, 246 nursing students were surveyed using a structured questionnaire on their empathy, critical thinking disposition, and problem solving process. According to the results of data analyses, the subjects’ critical thinking disposition was in a positive correlation with their fantasy, perspective taking, and empathetic concern, and in a negative correlation with personal distress among the sub-categories of empathy. In addition, their problem solving process was in a positive correlation with fantasy, perspective taking, empathetic concern, and critical thinking disposition, and in a negative correlation with personal distress. For nursing students with a high level of personal distress, it is necessary to guide their critical thinking and problem solving process during their clinical practice.