Influence of Self-esteem, Empathy and Existential Well-being on Spiritual Care Competence in Nursing Students

Kim, Jin; Choi, Sookyung

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was conducted to identify effects of self-esteem, empathy and existential well-being on spiritual care competence in nursing students.
METHODS
Participants were 357 nursing students from three colleges in G metropolitan city. The survey was conducted from March 11 to April 3, 2015, with a self-report questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffe test, Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression analysis with SPSS version 21.0.
RESULTS
Differences in spiritual care competence were statistically significant according to experience in providing spiritual care and recognition of need for spiritual care. There were significant differences in self-esteem, empathy and existential well-being according to satisfaction with major, satisfaction with life and recognition of the need for spiritual care. Spiritual care competence of nursing students showed a significantly positive correlation to self-esteem, empathy and existential well-being. Factors influencing spiritual care competence were recognition of need for spiritual care, self-esteem, empathy and experience in providing spiritual care, which explained about 16% of spiritual care competence.
CONCLUSION
Results indicate the importance of developing an intervention program for nursing students to strengthen spiritual care competence through improved recognition of needs for spiritual care, self-esteem, empathy and experience in providing spiritual care.