The Effectiveness of A Cognitive-behavioral Therapy Approach to Self-efficacy in New Nurses: A Pilot Study

Abstract

An intervention shown to be effective at reducing the intention to quit one’s job and preventing poor mental health in new nurses is needed. The objective of this research was to elucidate whether there were changes in self-efficacy, resilience, cognition and stress response after a group CBT intervention for improving self-efficacy in new nurses. An intervention program comprising a total of 4 sessions was implemented with 9 new nurses. Measurements were made via self-report questionnaires, namely the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Resilience Scale for Nurses, and the Thinking Error Scale. These measures were administered before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and one month after the intervention. Salivary amylase levels were measured before and after the implementation of each program session. To assess the magnitude of the intervention’s effect, the effect size was calculated using a one-way linear mixed model. The results suggested that a group CBT intervention for improving self-efficacy may improve the aspects of “proactive behavior” and “social positioning of ability” of self-efficacy as well as resilience in new nurses. Further, in the context of CBT interventions carried out in groups, we suggest the use of an ice breaker at the end of each session in order to relax participants, as listeners may feel stressed.