Effect of Clinical Traineeship on the Emotional Dimensions (Valence and Arousal) among Nurses Student

Aim: This study examines the effect of clinical traineeship on the emotional dimensions (valence and arousal) among nurses student.

Methods: Two groups were recruited. The first group consisting of the students who did not start the clinical traineeship. The second group composed of the students who finished their clinical traineeship. The images of the set 3 and the 11, which were taken from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) constitute the emotional stimuli. The measurement of the emotional dimensions was carried out by the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM).

Results: The study shows the negative correlation between valence and arousal among the two groups. Concerning neutral images and positive images, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the valence. The negative images were evaluated unpleasant by both groups with a valence significant difference.

Conclusion: The present study has a significant implication in nursing education. Indeed, the results showed that despite the clinical traineeship period, all negative images were assessed unpleasant. Hence, the need to reflect on innovative approaches to reduce the unpleasing responses. In this perspective, programming academic training sessions to familiarize students with negative situations and help them to manage their emotions could influence emotional responses in a clinical setting.