The effect of de-escalation simulation training on empowerment and confidence in managing patient aggression among psychiatric nursing students: an experiential learning approach.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Patient aggression is a persistent challenge in mental health settings, and undergraduate preparation in de-escalation remains variable. This study evaluated whether a standardized-patient (SP) de-escalation simulation improves psychological empowerment and confidence in coping with aggression among psychiatric nursing students.

Methods

We conducted a parallel-group randomized controlled trial (pretest-posttest) with undergraduate psychiatric nursing students randomly assigned to either an SP-based de-escalation simulation program or routine curriculum control. The intervention comprised 12 sessions over 8 weeks (4 theory + 8 SP practical scenarios with structured debriefs aligned to INACSL standards). Primary outcomes were psychological empowerment and confidence

SUBMITTER: Eltrass GAA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12797913 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature