Virtual Teaching among Nursing Students on Depression using Dorothy Johnson’s Theory: A Pilot Study

Abstract

In the challenging realm of nursing education, mental health issues, particularly depression, pose significant threats to students' well-being. In the challenging realm of nursing education, mental health issues, particularly depression, pose significant threats to students’ well-being. Despite the growing recognition of mental health challenges among nursing students, there remains a gap in understanding the unique stressors and triggers within the academic environment. Additionally, there is limited research on effective interventions tailored to the specific needs of nursing students combating depression, highlighting the necessity for further exploration and targeted support strategies. Grounded in Dorothy Johnson's Behavioral System Model (BSM) Theory, this study aims to explore the benefits of virtual teaching regarding depression among nursing students. Employing a mixed methods sequential explanatory (QUAN-qual) design, it utilizes the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR) and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). Participants are divided into virtual teaching and control groups, engaging in Microsoft Teams sessions focused on identifying signs of depression. Quantitatively, this approach did not yield significant increases in academic performance (p-value = 0.545) and the stress-reducing effect of the intervention was also not significant at the .05 alpha level (p-value = 0.695) according to the independent samples t-test. Conversely, qualitative data suggests that virtual teaching has been beneficial among nursing students. Verbal responses from participants highlight themes such as emotion, attachment, emotional support, motivation, nutrition, well-being, and stress management, offering insights into coping mechanisms and support systems utilized by students.

Keywords: depression, awareness, nursing school, virtual teaching, mental health, mixed method

DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/115-04

Publication date: April 30^th 2024