Examining the relationship between perceived fear of pain and empathic tendencies of nursing students and the affecting factors: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: The relationship between fear of pain and empathic tendency is important because empathy plays a critical role in recognizing and managing patient pain, while fear of pain can affect the nurse's reactions and emotional resilience. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived fear of pain and empathic tendencies of nursing students and the affecting factors.

Methods: The data of this descriptive, cross-sectional and relational study were collected digitally from a total of 396 nursing students studying at a state university between May 1 and September 30, 2023. A census sampling approach was used, as the entire target population (N = 448) was known in advance, and 81.06% os it was successfully reached. The data were obtained using the Introductory Information Form, Fear of Pain Scale-III and Empathic Tendency Scale.

Results: A weak, positive but statistically non-significant correlation was found between emphatic tendency and fear of pain (r = 0.056, p = 0.267). Statistically significant differences in fear of pain scores were found in relation to gender (p = 0.002), age group (p = 0.001), grade level (p = 0.001), and willingness to choose the department (p = 0.038). Similarly, empathic tendency scores differed significantly according to gender (p = 0.014), family type (p = 0.001), grade level (p = 0.010), and willingness to choose the department (p = 0.016).

Conclusions: Among all significant variables, students who did not choose the department willingly presented both higher fear of pain scores and lower empathic tendency scores. Therefore, they represent a high-risk group that may particularly benefit from targeted interventions, such as simulation-based empathy and coping workshops.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.