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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07730411

Reflective Journaling on Affective Awareness Toward Learning and Academic Self-Efficacy

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of reflective journaling on nursing students' affective awareness toward learning and academic self-efficacy.The study was conducted as a randomised controlled experimental study between April and June 2026 at the Faculty of Health Sciences of a university in eastern Turkey. The study population comprised first-year nursing students during the spring term of the 2026-2027 academic year, whilst the sample consisted of 113 students (reflective journal group = 56, control group = 57), determined by power analysis. The 'Affective Awareness Scale for Teaching' and the 'Academic Self-Efficacy Scale' were used to collect the data.

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Key information

Conditions

Education Nursing

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Inonu University

Malatya, 44280, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

The study included students taking the 'Fundamentals of Nursing II' course who were undertaking clinical placements. Students undertake clinical placements for a period of 14 weeks. The first four weeks are devoted to laboratory-based activities and preparation for clinical practice. Clinical practice at the hospital commences in the following weeks. During the final four weeks of the clinical placement, students were asked to keep a reflective journal to enhance their awareness and support their learning.

Over the course of four weeks, students were asked to observe clinical practice and write down their experiences in detail. Each week, students were given a diary form prepared using Gibbs's model and asked to submit it one week later.

During the pre-test phase, all students across all groups were administered the 'Student Profile Form', the 'Affective Awareness Scale for Teaching' and the 'Academic Self-Efficacy Scale for Nursing Students'. To prevent interaction between groups, data collection was carried out on different days.

Post-test data were collected four weeks after the pre-test using the same scales.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Aged 18 years or older. First-year nursing student. Participating in clinical practice for the first time. Willing and able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

  • Repeating the first year of the nursing program. Unwilling to participate in the study or unable to provide written informed consent.

Withdrawal from the study at any stage after enrollment. Discontinuation of reflective journaling during the intervention period. Failure to complete the post-test assessment.

Treatment and study plan

Reflective Journaling

Behavioral

Over the course of four weeks, students were asked to observe clinical practice and record their experiences in detail on a diary form based on Gibbs's model. This form was distributed to students before each week's clinical placement and was to be submitted one week later.

Primary outcomes

  1. Affective Awareness Toward Learning

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    The 'Affective Awareness Toward Learning Scale (AATLS)' was administered to students in order to collect pre-test data. Over a period of four weeks, students recorded their experiences at the clinic on a form designed in line with Gibbs's model. The teaching staff provided feedback on their entries each week. At the end of the four weeks, data were collected again using the same measurement tool.

    Data was also collected simultaneously from students in the control group. Students in this group continued with their standard education.

  2. Effect of Academic Self-Efficacy

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    The 'Academic Self-Efficacy Scale' was administered to students to collect pre-test data. Over a four-week period, students recorded their experiences at the clinic on a form designed in line with Gibbs's model. The tutor provided feedback on their entries each week. At the end of the four weeks, data were collected again using the same measurement tool.

    Data was also collected simultaneously from students in the control group. Students in this group continued with their standard education.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Inonu University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Reflective Journaling on Affective Awareness Toward Learning and Academic Self-Efficacy Among Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 28, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 28, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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