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Current status of bullying in nursing education among clinical trainees and their attitude and practice

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study aimed to examine the current status of bullying in nursing education among clinical trainees and to assess their attitudes and practices towards such bullying. This cross-sectional study was conducted among clinical trainees from 9 Colleges/universities between January and March 2024, using a self-designed, structured questionnaires. Out of the initial 1550 distributed questionnaires, 1457 were deemed valid for analysis. Among the respondents, 1290 (88.54 %) were female. Additionally, 362 respondents (24.85 %) reported experiencing high levels of mental stress and confusion. The mean scores for bullying status, attitudes, and practices were 13.99 ± 13.26 (possible range: 0–64), 45.95 ± 11.43 (possible range: 12–60), and 59.86 ± 17.81 (possible range: 22–110), respectively. The mediation analysis indicated that bullying status directly affected attitude (β = −0.403, P = 0.012). Bullying status (β = −0.146, P = 0.010), attitude (β = −0.305, P = 0.016), current state of mind (β = 0.095, P = 0.006), and get training on educational bullying (β = −0.088, P = 0.015) directly affected practice. Additionally, bullying status has an indirect effect on practice through attitude (β = 0.123, P = 0.018). Despite experiencing low-intensity bullying with significant psychological effects, clinical trainees exhibited positive attitudes and moderate practices towards addressing bullying in nursing education. These findings highlight the need for targeted anti-bullying training programs, the establishment of mentorship systems, and the implementation of institutional policies to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment, mitigate psychological stress, and enhance trainees' educational experiences. • 24.85 % of clinical trainees reported high stress due to bullying. • Trainees exhibited generally positive attitudes towards addressing bullying. • Both bullying status and attitudes significantly influenced practices regarding bullying. • Bullying status affects attitudes, which then impact practices in addressing bullying. • Mild bullying has implications for the psychological well-being of trainees.

Source: Nurse Education Today

DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2025.106594

Authors: Yuan Hu, Shenghua Zhang, Zhanyi Tan, Min Yang, Xiufang Zhao

Institutions: Sichuan University, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University

Language: English

Topic: Workplace Violence and Bullying

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,010