The mediating effects of social support and interpersonal competence on the relationship between empathy and caring efficiency in nursing students

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate interpersonal competence and social support and their mediating effects on the relationship between caring efficacy and empathy in nursing students. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. Data collection was conducted from February 5 to February 12, 2019, from 254 students enrolled in the Department of Nursing in Jeollabuk-do and Chungcheongbuk-do. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS/WIN 21.0 program. Results: As a result of verifying the mediating effects of social support and interpersonal competence on the relationship between the empathy ability and caring efficacy of nursing college students, it was found that social support and interpersonal competence partially mediated the relationship between the two variables (Z=1.68, p=.046). Conclusion: Through this study, a theoretical basis was provided that when applied to an educational program could improve nursing students' caring efficacy. Content that can improve not only empathy but also social support and interpersonal competence should be included.