Assessment of Empathy Levels in a Selected Group of Nurses
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15225/PNN.2025.14.3.4Keywords
emotions, empathy, nursesAbstract
Introduction. Empathy is crucial in nursing, impacting care quality and patient relationships. Defined as the ability to understand and share others’ emotions, empathy is essential in therapeutic processes. It facilitates communication, supports healing, reduces stress, and improves well-being. Empathy is vital for professional care, helping nurses understand patient needs and tailor care plans. Studies show that higher empathy levels in nurses lead to better patient relationships, improved treatment outcomes, and reduced staff burnout.
Aim. The study aimed to assess empathy levels in a selected group of nurses and determine if work experience and workplace affect empathy levels measured by the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI).
Material and Methods. The study involved 141 randomly selected nurses with diplomas, working in neurology, internal medicine, emergency, or intensive care departments. Participation was voluntary and anonymous, with consent obtained from all participants. A diagnostic survey using the standardized IRI questionnaire was conducted. The IRI measures empathy across four scales: Fantasy, Perspective Taking, Empathic Concern, and Personal Distress. Sociodemographic data were also collected.
Results. The average IRI score was 61.08 out of 112, indicating moderate empathy levels. Scores ranged from 31 to 99, with a median of 60. The highest scores were in the Empathic Concern scale, and the lowest in the Personal Distress scale.
Conclusions. Empathy levels were moderate, with the highest scores in Empathic Concern. Nurses with longer work experience and those in internal medicine showed higher empathy levels. (JNNN 2025;14(3):125–130)
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Copyright (c) 2025 Marta Polanowska, Sylwia Krzemińska
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