Effects of an Interpersonal Relationship Harmony Program on Nursing Students

Kwak, Hye Weon; Kim, Nahyun

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to develop an interpersonal relationship harmony program and to investigate the effect of interpersonal relationship harmony program on interpersonal relations, conflict resolution methods, interpersonal anxiety, salivary cortisol level for nursing students.
METHODS
The 8-week interpersonal relationship harmony program was developed based on interpersonal relationship harmony theory. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated using a quasi-experimental design. The participants were 58 third-year nursing students, 29 in the experimental group and 29 in the control group. Data were collected from July 5, 2014 to August 25, 2014 and analyzed through t-test.
RESULTS
The experimental group showed significantly higher post-test scores in interpersonal relationship harmony, interpersonal relationship ability, active conflict mitigation and significantly lower post-test scores in active conflict intensification, interpersonal relationship anxiety than those of the control group.
CONCLUSION
The interpersonal relationship harmony program improved nursing students' interpersonal skills and conflict resolution methods and reduced interpersonal relationship anxiety through an integrated approach that covered the cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical aspects of harmony.