Effect of psychological first aid training given to nursing students on psychological resilience and self-efficacy

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effects of psychological first aid (PFA) training on the resilience aself-efficacy of nursing students. Methods: This single-group, semi-experimental study was performed on 68 nursing students who did not receive PFA training and service earlier, had Internet access, and agreed to participate in the study by giving informed consent. The study involved pre-test/post-test and follow-up measurements. The data were collected electronically by creating an online survey platform and using a personal information form, the Psychological Hardiness Scale, and the General SelfEfficacy Scale. The PFA training, which lasted 60 min, was carried out with the students twice a week for 3 weeks. The data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistical methods (mean, standard deviation, and frequency), t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (F test), and ANOVA in repeated measurements. The relationship between the Psychological Hardiness Scale and the General Self-Efficacy Scale was examined by regression analysis. Results: The average age of the individuals who participated in the study was 22.71±1.87 years. The post-training (62.16±7.71) and follow-up (63.10±5.70) Psychological Hardiness Scale mean scores of the individuals were significantly higher than the pre-training mean scores (49.64±6.32) (p<0.001). The post-training (30.34±4.43) and follow-up (29.41±4.06). The General Self-Efficacy Scale mean scores of the individuals were significantly higher than the pre-training (24.64±3.51) mean scores (p<0.001). The regression analysis revealed that 45% of the change in the psychological resilience of individuals was explained by self-efficacy (R2=0.453). Conclusion: The PFA training increased the psychological resilience and self-efficacy perceptions of the participantHence, systematic training should be provided to individuals, including the principles of applying PFA.