Empathy Affects Individualized Care Perception and Pain Knowledge in Nursing Students

Abstract

Background Effective pain management is essential for individualized nursing care, yet studies report nursing students often have insufficient knowledge in this area. Empathic tendency may act as a key factor, influencing how knowledge about pain management translates into individualized care practices. Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes toward pain management and their perceptions of individualized care and to evaluate the mediating role of empathic tendency in this relationship. Design This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Methods This descriptive and correlational cross-sectional study was conducted with 267 nursing students who were studying at a state university in the 2024-2025 academic year and had clinical practice experience. Data were collected using the Student Information Form, Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain, Individualized Care Scale-Nurse, and Empathic Tendency Scale. Pearson correlation, linear regression, and PROCESS Macro (Model 4) were used in statistical analysis. Results A significant and positive correlation was found between the level of knowledge about pain and perception of individualized care ( r = 0.403, p < .001). Empathic tendency significantly predicted the perception of individualized care ( β = 0.346, p < .001) and partially mediated the relationship between knowledge and attitudes about pain and individualized care (Indirect β = 0.168, CI [0.080-0.275]). Conclusion Both knowledge about pain and empathic tendency increase nursing students’ competence to provide individualized care. Pain management should be integrated with empathy development in educational programs. © © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.