Abstract

Background: Communication training in nursing college students is an integral part of the development of their competency in dealing with patients. However, the traditional lecture style of training delivery may not be desirably effective. Purpose: This study investigated the effects of a communication training program utilizing a small group dynamic on the communication competency and human relationships in nursing college students. Methods: One hundred twenty six freshmen in a university in Seoul participated in this study. The instruments of communication competency (Primary Communication Inventory) and human relationships (Relationship Change Scale) were used at the beginning and conclusion of the training period. Eighty-three students from two nursing classes were assigned to the experimental groups and 43 students from other classes were assigned to the control groups. Each of the 11 small groups was composed of 7 or 8 students. The weekly program that ran during the 2007 fall semester from October 1st to December 11th consisted of effective communication strategies including therapeutic communication skills, Johari's window, empathy, active listening, and transactional analysis. Results: The experimental group of students reported significantly greater improvement in communication competencies, specific nonverbal competencies, and human relationships compared with the control group. Specifically, the experimental students demonstrated greater improvement in nonverbal communication competencies and satisfaction, communication, and awareness of human relationships. Conclusions: Small group based communication training can be an effective alternative method of communication education for college nursing students.

Keywords

• Communication training program;
• Human relationship;
• Small group dynamics

• 의사소통;
• 인간관계;
• 집단역동;