Effectiveness of Experiential Learning on Knowledge Regarding Therapeutic Connection Skills Amongst Nursing Scholars at a Selected College in Palakkad

Lavanya — 2026-10-09

Background: Therapeutic communication is essential in nursing practice, particularly when caring for patients experiencing emotional distress and grief. Simulation-based learning provides opportunities to practice communication in a safe, controlled environment.

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of simulation-based learning on knowledge regarding therapeutic communication skills among nursing students at a selected college in Palakkad.

Methods: A quantitative evaluative approach with a quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. The study included 30 first-year B.Sc. Nursing students. A 25-item knowledge questionnaire based on Kübler-Ross’s five stages of grief was used. The intervention involved simulation-based role-play focusing on therapeutic communication techniques, including silence, touch, active listening, acceptance, exploring feelings, sharing observations, summarizing, and supporting decision-making. Content validity was established by five nursing experts, and test-retest reliability was 0.94. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The mean pre-test score was 15.93 ± 3.19, increasing to 20.50 ± 1.77 post-test, with a mean difference of 4.57. The calculated t value was 8.85, greater than the critical value of 2.045 at the 0.05 level, indicating significant improvement. Pre-test, 56.7% had above-average knowledge, 36.7% had average knowledge, and 3.3% each had below-average and good knowledge. Post-test, 53.3% had above-average knowledge and 46.7% had good knowledge.

Conclusion: Simulation-based role-play was effective in improving knowledge and may enhance students’ application of therapeutic communication skills in clinical practice, bridging theory and clinical application.

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Level of Self-Esteem and Its Association with Selected Socio-Demographic Variables Among High School Children in Selected Schools in Siwan, Bihar

Khundrakpam Sarita Devi — 2026-08-19

Background: Adolescence is a pivotal developmental phase where self-esteem serves as a core determinant of emotional resilience, academic achievement, and social adaptation. In semi-urban and rural regions, understanding baseline self-esteem levels and their socio-demographic influences is critical for designing targeted school mental health interventions.

Objectives: To assess the existing levels of self-esteem & to determine the statistical association between levels of self-esteem and selected socio-demographic variables.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive survey design was conducted among high school students (8th and 9th standards, aged 13–15 years) in selected schools of Siwan, Bihar. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique (lottery method). Data were collected using a structured Socio-Demographic Proforma and the standardized Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Data were analysed using SPSS with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, with the significance threshold set at .

Results: The findings revealed that a majority of the students—60% demonstrated a moderate level of self-esteem, 30% exhibited low self-esteem, and only 10% possessed high self-esteem. Inferential analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between self-esteem levels and two socio-demographic factors: Family Type ( ) and Area of Permanent Residence ( ). Students residing in joint family structures and semi-urban localities exhibited higher self-esteem scores compared to their peers from nuclear families or rural backgrounds. Other socio-demographic variables showed no statistically significant association ( ).

Conclusion: A substantial proportion (30%) of high school adolescents in rural Bihar experience low self-esteem, which is significantly influenced by immediate family structure and residential environment rather than monetary income or gender.

Journal of Nursing Research, Education and Management

Effectiveness of Experiential Learning on Knowledge Regarding Therapeutic Connection Skills Amongst Nursing Scholars at a Selected College in Palakkad

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Level of Self-Esteem and Its Association with Selected Socio-Demographic Variables Among High School Children in Selected Schools in Siwan, Bihar