Effectiveness of Supervised Intergenerational Service Learning in Long-term Care Facilities on the Attitudes, Self-transcendence, and Caring Behaviors Among Nursing Students: A Quasiexperimental Study

Abstract

The beneficial effects of service learning on students' attitudes have been well documented; however, few studies have focused on the long-term effect as well as on the caring behaviors and self-transcendence of students. Additionally, few studies have compared the effects of the service learning in different types of facilities. To compare the effectiveness of intergenerational service learning in different types of facilities for nursing college students, this quasiexperimental study performed a questionnaire survey before the intervention and two surveys after the intervention to comprehensively evaluate outcomes. A convenient sample of three groups with 126 students completed the questionnaire (assisted living facilities = 43, nursing homes = 43, veterans' homes = 40). The intervention was administered in one 60-minute session per week for six weeks. The outcome variables were measured before the intervention and after two weeks and 16 months of the intervention. All three groups showed significantly higher caring scores after the intervention. After 16 months of the intervention, scores of nursing students' caring behavior and attitudes toward elders were significantly higher in assisted living facilities than in the veterans' homes. Different facilities do have different effects on nursing students. Students assigned to assisted living facilities were more likely to change their attitudes and behaviors positively. The findings of this study provide a foundation for service learning projects as an educational activity in long-term care courses for enhancing nursing students' caring practices, attitudes towards elders, and self-transcendence. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.