Interpersonal communication, empathy, and stress perceived by nursing students who use social networks

Aim The objective of this study was to explore interpersonal communication, empathy, and stress perceived by nursing students who use social networks. Design A cross‐sectional study was performed. Methods A convenience sample of 135 nursing students. For data collection, the following instruments were used: The WhatsApp Negative Impact Scale, The Perceived Stress Scale, The Interpersonal Communication Competence Inventory, and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy. Data collection took place in February 2020. Results A negative correlation was found between the WhatsApp Negative Impact and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (rs = −0.204; p = .019). Conversely, a positive correlation was also observed between the Interpersonal Communication Competence Inventory and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (rs = 0.212; p = .014). Conclusion Nursing students’ use of new technology could be problematic and interfere with their therapeutic communication skills. Impact This study addresses the problem of social network use in the clinical setting and how this can influence nursing students’ therapeutic communication skills with patients. The results of this study have showed that, among nursing students, social network use has a negative impact, showing decreased empathy. Likewise, students who show a greater level of empathy have better interpersonal communication skills. However, significant results were not found between psychological distress and problematic social network use. Therefore, it is necessary to perform additional studies that would further explore this aspect. This study allows us to explore the negative impact of social networks on therapeutic communication, with the aim of developing prevention strategies at university institutions. 目标 这项研究的目的是探讨使用社交网络的护理专业学生的人际沟通、共情和压力知觉。 设计 进行了横断面研究。 方法 135名护理专业学生的便利样本。为了收集数据，使用了以下工具：WhatsApp负面影响量表、压力知觉量表、人际沟通能力量表和杰斐逊共情量表。数据收集于2020年2月进行。 结果 在WhatsApp负面影响量表与杰斐逊共情量表呈负相关（rs = −0.204；p = .019）。相反，在人际沟通能力量表和杰斐逊共情量表呈正相关（rs = 0.212；p = .014）。 结论 护理专业学生使用新技术可能会出现问题，并干扰他们的治疗沟通技巧。 影响 这项研究旨在探讨社交网络在临床环境中的问题，以及如何影响护理专业学生与患者的治疗沟通技巧。这项研究的结果表明，在护理专业学生中，社交网络的使用具有负面影响，表现为共情能力的减少。同样，共情水平较高的学生也具有更好的人际交往技巧。但是，在心理困扰和社交网络使用问题之间没有发现显著的结果。因此，有必要对这一方面进行进一步的研究。这项研究使我们能够探讨社交网络对治疗沟通的负面影响，目的是在大学机构中制定预防策略。