The effect of affective learning on alexithymia, empathy, and attitude toward disabled persons in nursing students: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the effect of affective learning on alexithymia, empathy, and attitude toward disabled persons in nursing students. Design and Methods This prospective, randomized, controlled trial study was implemented among 70 nursing students. Based on transformative learning theory, the affective learning method was applied to the intervention group. Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Empathic Tendency Scale (ETS), and Attitudes Toward Disabled Person Scale (ATDPS) were administered to both groups. Results The intervention group showed a statistically and significantly lower score at TAS and higher score at ATDPS compared to the control group, whereas no statistically significant difference was found in ETS score. Practice Implications Affective learning methods could be implemented in the nursing course for improving students' attitude toward disabled persons, and reducing alexithymia.