The power of virtual connections: A randomized controlled trial of online positive psychotherapy training on effective communication skills of nursing students

Abstract

AimThis research aimed to assess the impact of the online "Positive Psychotherapy- Based Key Model of Courtesy and Integrity" (KMCI)" program on the effective communication skills of nursing students. BackgroundWith the growing integration of virtual platforms in psychotherapy education, there is a burgeoning interest in understanding their influence on nursing student’s communication abilities. Recognizing how online positive psychotherapy education shapes these skills is pivotal for enriching nursing education and practice. DesignThe study adopted a pre-test-post-test randomized controlled design and involved 64 undergraduate nursing students from a state university's nursing department during the 2021–2022 academic year, all enrolled in psychiatric nursing courses. MethodsStudents were divided into experimental and control groups through simple randomization. Pre-tests, encompassing a "Personal Information Form" and an "Effective Communication Skills Scale," were administered to both groups. Subsequently, the experimental group received the "Positive Psychotherapy- Based Key Model of Courtesy and Integrity" program online for five weeks, while no intervention was provided to the control group during this period. Post-tests were then conducted for both groups after five weeks. ResultsThe findings revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the total scores of sub-dimensions, including "Ego-Enhancing Language, Active Listening, Self-Disclosure and Recognition, Empathy and Self-Language Scale" in the experimental group in both intra-group and inter-group comparisons. ConclusionIn conclusion, the "Positive Psychotherapy- Based Key Model of Courtesy and Integrity" program effectively enhances practical communication skills among nursing students. Equipping students with the ability to integrate courtesy and integrity isn’t effective.