Hülya Elmalı ŞİMŞEK, Rukiye KÖKKIZ, Gül DİKEÇ
Psikiyatri Hemşireliği Dergisi - 2026;17(3):201-207
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of aromatherapy on nursing students' skill acquisition and anxiety experienced during skills training. Methods: The population of this randomized controlled study consisted of all nursing students actively enrolled at a foundation university during the spring semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. The sample consisted of 73 students (experimental=37, control=36) who met the inclusion criteria and voluntarily participated in the study. Lemon, orange, and frankincense essential oils were used during the intervention. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion Skills Checklist. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups in terms of age, sex, or baseline STAI scores (p>0.05). In the experimental group, the mean pretest STAI score was 37.81+/-10.19, and the mean posttest score was 40.43+/-10.46; the difference between the scores was statistically significant (p<0.05). In the control group, the mean pretest STAI score was 36.38+/-9.94, while the mean posttest score was 38.30+/-10.25; the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The mean Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion Skills Checklist score was significantly higher in the experimental group (77.05+/-11.26) than in the control group (62.63+/-11.88) (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of pretest and posttest STAI scores (p>0.05). Conclusion: Aromatherapy may have a positive effect on learning. However, aromatherapy was not found to be effective in reducing students' anxiety levels.
