Burnout Syndrome Among Master’s Degree Nursing Students Using a Compromising Negotiation Style Evaluated Through a Serious Game

Abstract

Burnout syndrome is widespread among healthcare professionals, causing many physical and mental problems for individuals, and leading to negative outcomes for organizations and the quality of care that they provide. The aim of this study was to assess burnout among master’s degree nursing students and to evaluate its possible relationship with a compromising negotiation style. A descriptive comparative study was conducted. Nurses’ personal, academic, and professional data were collected. Burnout was measured using the Italian version of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, with its two dimensions of disengagement and exhaustion. Negotiation skills were assessed through a Serious Game based on Rahim and Bonoma’s theory of conflict management that included daily life five scenarios. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed in a sample of 33 students. The results showed a mean disengagement level of 3.2 (SD 0.6) points and an exhaustion level of 2.8 (SD 0.7) points. In three serious game scenarios, students who did not use a compromising negotiation style had significantly higher disengagement levels than those who did (Sports, p = 0.019; Motorbike, p = 0.008; CD Store, p < 0.001). The students seemed to appreciate the engagement in the study and the game used. This is the first study to assess burnout together with negotiation styles identified through a Serious Game. The findings suggest that implementing alternative training strategies, combined with traditional teaching could support students in better integrating theoretical and practical knowledge and engaging in active learning.