Effect of Storytelling Technique on the Attitudes of Nursing Students Toward Death

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effect of the storytelling technique on the attitudes of nursing students toward death as a mixed research design. The study sample consisted of 94 senior students attending the nursing department of a university in Turkey. Quantitative data were collected by using the introductory characteristics form and the Death Attitude Profile-Revised, while qualitative data were collected through focus group interviews with the semistructured interview form. The data were analyzed according to number, percentage, Wilcoxon test, paired samples ttest, and descriptive analysis method. The mean Death Attitude Profile-Revised Scale score of the students before receiving the relevant education was 4.17 ± 0.21. This score increased to 4.25 ± 0.24 after the students received the education and the difference was found to be statistically significant ( p < .05). In the qualitative section of the study, the data obtained from the attitudes of the students toward death were coded, and four themes were determined. The qualitative data obtained from the focus group interviews with the participating students were presented under four themes: the contribution of the storytelling technique to learning, the effect of the storytelling technique on the attitude toward death, thoughts about the storytelling technique, and contribution of the course to knowledge, skills and attitude in giving care to the dying patient. As a result of the study, explaining the subject of death with the storytelling technique was determined to positively affect the attitudes of the students toward death.