Predictive roles of empathy and ageism attitudes in nursing students’ willingness to care for older adults

This study aimed to investigate the predictive roles of empathy and attitudes toward ageism on nursing students’ willingness to care for older adults. The growing elderly population has increased the demand for healthcare professionals equipped to offer compassionate and competent care. Empathy and attitudes towards the elderly play a critical role in determining the quality of care provided by nursing students. This descriptive study was conducted with 656 nursing students between April and December 2024. Data were collected through online surveys, which included the Sociodemographic Characteristics Questionnaire, the Empathy Quotient Scale, Ageism Attitude Scale and Willingness to Work with Elderly People Scale. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, F-tests, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to examine the relationships between empathy, attitudes towards ageism, and willingness to work with elderly individuals. The study found that students’ mean scores on the Empathy Quotient Scale, Ageism Attitude Scale and Willingness to Work with Elderly People Scale were 47.34 ± 12.88, 65.05 ± 13.98, and 64.84 ± 18.29, respectively. Significant differences were observed based on gender, academic level, living with elderly individuals, and past experiences with elderly family members. Female students, senior students and people living in urban areas exhibited higher empathy levels. Additionally, students living with elderly individuals showed more positive attitudes towards ageism and a greater willingness to work with elderly individuals. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that Empathy Quotient Scale and Ageism Attitude Scale scores were significant predictors of Willingness to Work with Elderly People Scale scores, explaining 38.1% of the variance (F = 202.394, p < 0.001). Both higher empathy (β = 0.227, p < 0.001) and more positive attitudes towards ageism (β = 0.229, p < 0.001) were associated with greater willingness to work with elderly individuals. Empathy levels and positive attitudes towards ageism were found to be significant predictors of nursing students’ willingness to work with elderly individuals. Empathy levels were also higher among students from urban areas compared to those from rural areas. These findings indicate that changes are needed in nursing education in this regard, including the integration of empathy-focused modules as well as clinical training applications into the curriculum. These strategies can increase nursing students’ positive attitudes toward older adults and boost their motivation to provide care to these individuals.