The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy in Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

Critical thinking and self-confidence are important concepts for nursing students. This study aimed to investigate the effects of mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) on the critical thinking dispositions and self-confidence levels of nursing students.

METHOD: A randomized controlled trial was conducted using a parallel-group design with pretest and posttest measurements. A total of 53 nursing students completed the study. The intervention group participated in an 8-week MBAT program, whereas the control group received no intervention during this period.

RESULTS

During the pretest phase, the intervention and control groups showed no statistically significant differences in their mean scores on the Critical Thinking Disposition and Self-Confidence scales (p > .05). However, following the MBAT program, the intervention group showed notably higher mean scores than the control group in both the posttest and follow-up assessments (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate that MBAT effectively enhances critical thinking disposition and self-confidence levels in nursing students.