J Korean Acad Soc Nurs Educ.  2021 May;27(2):186-196. 10.5977/jkasne.2021.27.2.186.

The mediating effects of social support and interpersonal competence on the relationship between empathy and caring efficiency in nursing students

• Lee J
• Cho H

• KMID: 2516365
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5977/jkasne.2021.27.2.186

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate interpersonal competence and social support and their mediating effects on the relationship between caring efficacy and empathy in nursing students.
Methods
This study used a cross-sectional design. Data collection was conducted from February 5 to February 12, 2019, from 254 students enrolled in the Department of Nursing in Jeollabuk-do and Chungcheongbuk-do. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS/WIN 21.0 program.
Results
As a result of verifying the mediating effects of social support and interpersonal competence on the relationship between the empathy ability and caring efficacy of nursing college students, it was found that social support and interpersonal competence partially mediated the relationship between the two variables (Z=1.68, p=.046).
Conclusion
Through this study, a theoretical basis was provided that when applied to an educational program could improve nursing students' caring efficacy. Content that can improve not only empathy but also social support and interpersonal competence should be included.

Keyword

Empathy, Self efficacy, Social support, Interpersonal relations; 공감, 자기효능감, 사회적 지지, 대인관계