The effects of concept mapping and reflective journaling-based professionalism training on professional image and attitudes toward nursing: A mixed-methods study.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of concept mapping and reflective journaling-based professionalism training on professional image and attitudes toward nursing.

BACKGROUND

The internalization of a professional image and attitude in nursing education forms the foundation for quality patient care. Concept maps and reflective journals emerge as strategic tools for helping students overcome the complexities arising from their diverse backgrounds.

DESIGN

An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design.

METHODS

This study was conducted between October and December 2025 with 96 first-year undergraduate nursing students. The students were allocated to intervention (n = 48) and control (n = 48) groups. The experimental group received professionalism training using concept mapping and reflective journaling, while the control group followed the standard curriculum. Quantitative data were analyzed using ANCOVA, while qualitative data underwent inductive content analysis.

RESULTS

The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher adjusted post-test mean scores for professional image (p = .041) and attitudes toward nursing (p = .045) than the control group. Qualitative analysis of 54 reflective journal entries identified two themes: "Reconstructing professional identity" and "Internalizing the moral and emotional meaning of nursing."

CONCLUSION

The integration of concept mapping and reflective journaling serves as an effective pedagogical strategy to enhance nursing students' professional image and attitudes toward nursing. These results underscore the necessity of using combined cognitive and affective tools in nursing curricula to foster a robust professional foundation and ensure the internalization of nursing values from the earliest stages of education.