Investigation of Empathic Tendency and Altruism Levels in Health Services Vocational School Students

Abstract

Objectives: This research aims to examine the empathic tendencies and altruism levels of students. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with the students studying at Vocational School of Health Services between 15.10.2022-28.11.2022. The population of the research consists of 858 students studying at a college. The research sample consists of 408 volunteers who agreed to participate in the research. Socio-demographic Form, Empathic Tendency and Altruism Scale were used in the data collection process. Results: It was determined that the empathic tendency total score of the students participating in the study was 66.5±9.06 (min.20-max.100), and the total score of altruism was 65.2±8.73 (min.20-max.100). It was found that the empathic tendencies of the students differed according to gender. It was found that the level of empathic tendency of female students was higher than that of males. When the altruism behaviour is examined, it has been determined that the level of altruism differs according to the department of education and the status of being a health professional in the family. Conclusion: It was determined that the empathic tendency and altruism levels of the students participating in the study were above the average. In addition, a moderate positive correlation was found between students' empathic tendencies and altruism levels. When the results of the research are evaluated, it is very important to plan and implement educational studies aimed at improving the professional values of students studying in health departments such as empathy and altruism.