Research Article
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The Effect of Peer Counseling on Individual, Social and Academic Adaptation of Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Year 2025, Volume: 28 Issue: 3, 283 - 293, 24.09.2025
https://doi.org/10.17049/jnursology.1502527

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to determine the effect of peer counseling on nursing students’ individual, social, and academic adaptation.

Methods: The study was a randomized controlled trial design. A total of 80 1st-year students, 40 in the intervention and 40 in the control group were determined to be peers. Peer Counselor Selection Form, Peer Selection Form, Peer Counselor Information Form, Peer Information Form, University Life Adaptation Scale, Individual Development Initiative Scale, Peer Follow-up Form were the data collection tools in the study. Quantitative data were analyzed in SPSS 21.0. Document analysis was used to analyze the statements in the Peer Monitoring Form.

Results: In the study, a significant difference was found between the mean scores of the Personal Adjustment sub-dimension of the Adjustment to University Life Scale before, after, and six months after the completion of peer counseling, while no significant difference was found between the mean scores of the Academic and Social Adjustment sub-dimensions of the peers in the intervention and control groups. There was significant difference between the mean scores of the peers in the intervention and control groups on the Individual Development Initiatives Scale before and after peer counseling and six months after the completion of peer counseling.

Conclusion: According to the results obtained from this study, organizing activities that will reveal the importance of peer counseling in individual, social, and academic adaptation, preparation for the profession, and increasing students' knowledge and awareness, formal structuring of peer counseling in line with the process, evaluation the results.

Ethical Statement

Ethics committee approval of the research was from the Social and Humanities Ethics Committee of a university (Date: 01.12.2020 Number: 74555795-050.01.04). Institutional permission (Date: 31.08.2020 Number: 74311748-302.08.01) was obtained from the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing of the state university where the research took place. Written consent from peer counselors and students selected as peers was obtained.

Thanks

We are grateful for the contributions from all the participants.

References

  • 1. Aşçı Ö, Gökdemir F, Çiçekoğlu, E. Efficiency of training on reproductive health provided by peer trainers to nursing students. HSP. 2016;3:173-183. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/231949
  • 2. Taylor SJ, Faghri S, Aggarwal N, Zeller K, Dollase R, Reis SP. Developing a peer-mentor program for medical students. TLM. 2013;25(1):97-102. https://doi.org/10.1080/10401334.2012.741544
  • 3. Ünver V, Akbayrak N. Peer tutoring model in nursing education. Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Yüksekokulu Elektronik Dergisi. 2013; 6(4): 214-217. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/deuhfed/issue/46812/587031
  • 4. Won MR, Choi YJ. Undergraduate nursing student counselors' experiences of peer counseloring in Korea: A qualitative analysis. Nurse Educ Today. 2017;51:8-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2016.12.023
  • 5. Yelpaze İ, Özkamalı E. The effect of peer-mediated social skills training program on 6-7-8th grade students' aggression levels. GAUN-JSS. 2015;14:499-511. https://doi.org/10.21547/jss.256772
  • 6. Sevinç S, Gizir CA. Factors that negatively affect the adaptation to the university from the perspective of university first year students (Mersin University Example). Educational Sciences in Theory and Practice. 2014;14(4):1285-1308. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1045063.pdf
  • 7. Subaşı Çağlar S. The effect of peer education on clinical practice skills in nursing students: A meta-analysis study. Karabük University, Master's Thesis, Istanbul/Turkey; 2022.
  • 8. Türküm AS, Kızıltaş A, Sarıyer A. Preliminary study on the psychological needs of the target audience of Anadolu University Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center. Turkish Journal of Psychological Counseling and Guidance. 2016;3(21):1–13. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/tpdrd/issue/21441/229625
  • 9. Atasoy I, Doğu Ö. Peer support importance in the school of health science students. J Hum Rhythm. 2017;3(1):62-67. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/296282
  • 10. Musal B. Peer counseling program at Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine: Two years of experience. World of Medical Education. 2018;17(53):5-12. https://doi.org/10.25282/ted.454712
  • 11. Şenyuva E, Akince, EK. Is peer education an effective method of strengthening nursing education? Is peer education an effective method in strengthening nursing education? JHS.2020;17(1):92-103. https://www.j-humansciences.com/ojs/index.php/IJHS/article/view/5779/3343
  • 12. Sözer NÖ. The effect of peer mentoring on nursing students' individual, social and academic adjustment. Istanbul University – Cerrahpaşa Graduate Education Institute, Department of Nursing Education, Master's Thesis, Istanbul/Turkey; 2022.
  • 13. Tükeltürk ŞA, Balcı M. The process of initialization of mentoring at universities, its significance and attainment; A Research on Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart.OYBD. 2014;6(1):137-155. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/oybd/issue/16343/171151
  • 14. Özkan S, Yılmaz E. University students’ adaptation to university life: The Bandırma example. Fırat Sağlık Hizmetleri Dergisi. 2010;5(13):153-171. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292989046_Universite_Ogrencilerinin_Universite_Yasamina_Uyum_Durumlari_Bandirma_OrnegiAdaptation_Status_of_University_Students_to_University_Life_Bandirma_Example
  • 15. Kim SC, Oliveri D, Riingen M, Taylor B, RankinL. Randomized controlled trial of graduate-to-undergraduate student counseloring program. J Prof Nurs. 2013;29(6):e43-e49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2013.04.003
  • 16. Vogan CL, McKimm J, Da Silva, AL, Grant A. Twelve tips for providing effective student support in undergraduate medical education. Med Teach. 2014;36:480-485. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2014.907488
  • 17. Sözer NÖ, Şenyuva E. The effect of peer counseling on nursing students’ individual, social and academic adjustment. Presented at: 2nd International & 8th National Nursing Education Congress; November 24-26, 2022; Kuşadası, Turkey. Abstract 61. https://motto.tc/siteler/www.nursingedu8.com/
  • 18. Peters H, Zdravkovic M, Costa MJ, Celenza A, Ghias K, Klamen D, Mossop L, Rieder M, Nadarajah VD, Wangsaturaka D, Wohlin M, Weggemans M. Twelve tips for enhancing student engagement. Med Teach. 2019;41(6):632-637. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2018.1459530
  • 19. Stenberg M, Carlson E. Swedish student nurses’ perception of peer learning as an educational model during clinical practice in a hospital setting—an evaluation study. BMC Nurs. 2015;14:1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-015-0098-2
  • 20. Topkaya N, Meydan B. University students’ problem areas, sources of help, and ıntentions to seek psychological help. Trakya University Faculty of Education Journal. 2013;3(1):25-37. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/200355
  • 21. Ho Y, Kwon OY, Park SY, Yoon TY. A study of satisfaction of medical students on their counseloring programs at one medical school in Korea. Korean J Med Educ.2017;29(4): 253-262. https://doi.org/10.3946/kjme.2017.71
  • 22. Aslan S. Development of the University Life Adaptation Scale Development of Adjustment to University Life Scale. HU Journal of Education. 2015;30(4):132-145.
  • 23. Akın A, Anlı G. Adaptation of the Personal Growth Initiative Scale. Mersin University Journal of the Faculty of Education. 2011;7(1):42-49. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/160826
  • 24. Kachaturoff M, Caboral-Stevens M, GeeM, Lan VM. Effects of peer-counseloring on stress and anxiety levels of undergraduate nursing students: An integrative review. Journal of Professional Nursing. 2020;36(4):223-228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2019.12.007
  • 25. Kaya H, Akçin E. What is collaborative learning? What is her place in nursing education? Florence Nightingale Journal of Nursing. 2015;13(54):9-16. https://fnjn.org/Content/files/sayilar/186/9-16.pdf
  • 26. Korkmaz M, Kıran Esen B. The effects of peer-training about secure internet use on adolescents. Turkish PCG-Association. 2012;4(38):180-187. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/200072
  • 27. Mete S, İşbir GG, Tokat MA, Vural F. An investigation of the views of nursing students about peer education in clinical education. JERN. 2011;8(3):16-25. https://jer-nursing.org/jvi.aspx?un=JERN-46036&volume=8&issue=3
  • 28. Şancı Y, Kelleci Ö. Views on peer education of nursing students: An example of a Foundation University. SBÜHD. 2019;1(2):104-111. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/787969
  • 29. Nazlı S. Comprehensive development alguidance program. (Rev. late. 7th bs). Ankara: Anı Publishing; 2019.
  • 30. Akyüz İ, Yılmaz Ş, Beyenal S. Social adaptation levels of university students living in the youth and sports Ministry Dormitories. PESA International Journal of Social Studies. 2019;5(2):92-106. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/715256
  • 31. Ergün Y, Şahin Orak N, Islattı Mutlu Ç, Kolaç N. The experiences and opinions of the students of the nursing department about the peer management program: A state university example. Future of Nursing Education Symposium 3: Approaches to Improving Education in the Pandemic Process, Turkey, 27 September 2021; 138.
  • 32. Kramer D, Hillman SM, Zavala M. Developing a culture of caring and support through a peer counselorship program. J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(7):430-435. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20180618-09
  • 33. Yelten G, Tanrıverdi S, Gider B, Yılmaz M. Evaluation of peer support and social self-efficacy perception in university students. BAUN Health Sci J. 2018;7(1):1-8. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/balikesirsbd/issue/38836/452781
  • 34. Pinks D, Warren-James M, Katsikitis M. Does a peer social support group intervention using the cares skills framework work improve emotional expression demotion-focused coping in paramedic students? Australas Emerg Care. 2021;24(4):308-313. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.auec.2021.03.005
  • 35. Beri N, Jain M. Personal growth initiative among undergraduate students: Influence of emotional self-efficacy and general well-being. Rupkatha J Interdiscip Stud Humanit. 2016;8(2):43-56. http://dx.doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v8n2.05

Akran Danışmanlığının Hemşirelik Öğrencilerinin Bireysel, Sosyal ve Akademik Uyumu Üzerindeki Etkisi: Randomize Kontrollü Bir Çalışma

Year 2025, Volume: 28 Issue: 3, 283 - 293, 24.09.2025
https://doi.org/10.17049/jnursology.1502527

Abstract

Amaç: Araştırmada, akran danışmanlığının hemşirelik öğrencilerinin bireysel, sosyal ve akademik uyumlarına etkisinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır.

Yöntemler: Araştırma, randomize kontrollü araştırma tasarımındadır. Girişim grubunda 40 ve kontrol grubunda 40 olmak üzere toplam 80 1. sınıf öğrencisi akran olarak belirlenmiştir. Araştırmada veri toplama araçları olarak Akran Danışmanı Seçim Formu, Akran Seçim Formu, Akran Danışmanı Bilgi Formu, Akran Bilgi Formu, Üniversite Yaşamına Uyum Ölçeği, Bireysel Gelişim İnisiyatifi Ölçeği, Akran İzleme Formu kullanılmıştır. Nicel veriler, SPSS 21.0’de analiz edilmiştir. Akran İzleme Formundaki ifadeleri analiz etmek için doküman analizi kullanılmıştır.

Bulgular: Araştırmada akran danışmanlığı öncesi, sonrası ve altı ay sonrası Üniversite Yaşamına Uyum Ölçeği Kişisel Uyum alt boyutu puan ortalamaları arasında anlamlı bir fark bulunurken, girişim ve kontrol gruplarındaki akranların Akademik Uyum ve Sosyal Uyum alt boyutları puan ortalamaları arasında anlamlı bir fark bulunmamıştır. Girişim ve kontrol gruplarındaki akranların akran danışmanlığı öncesi, sonrası ve akran danışmanlığının tamamlanmasından altı ay sonra Bireysel Gelişim İnisiyatifleri Ölçeği puan ortalamaları arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark bulunmuştur.

Sonuç: Elde edilen sonuçlara göre, akran danışmanlığının bireysel, sosyal ve akademik uyum, mesleğe hazırlık, öğrencilerin bilgi ve farkındalıklarının artırılmasındaki önemini ortaya koyacak etkinliklerin düzenlenmesi, akran danışmanlığının süreç doğrultusunda formal olarak yapılandırılması, sonuçlarının değerlendirilmesi önerilmektedir.

Ethical Statement

Ethics committee approval of the research was from the Social and Humanities Ethics Committee of a university (Date: 01.12.2020 Number: 74555795-050.01.04). Institutional permission (Date: 31.08.2020 Number: 74311748-302.08.01) was obtained from the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing of the state university where the research took place. Written consent from peer counselors and students selected as peers was obtained.

Supporting Institution

-

Thanks

We are grateful for the contributions from all the participants.

References

  • 1. Aşçı Ö, Gökdemir F, Çiçekoğlu, E. Efficiency of training on reproductive health provided by peer trainers to nursing students. HSP. 2016;3:173-183. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/231949
  • 2. Taylor SJ, Faghri S, Aggarwal N, Zeller K, Dollase R, Reis SP. Developing a peer-mentor program for medical students. TLM. 2013;25(1):97-102. https://doi.org/10.1080/10401334.2012.741544
  • 3. Ünver V, Akbayrak N. Peer tutoring model in nursing education. Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Yüksekokulu Elektronik Dergisi. 2013; 6(4): 214-217. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/deuhfed/issue/46812/587031
  • 4. Won MR, Choi YJ. Undergraduate nursing student counselors' experiences of peer counseloring in Korea: A qualitative analysis. Nurse Educ Today. 2017;51:8-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2016.12.023
  • 5. Yelpaze İ, Özkamalı E. The effect of peer-mediated social skills training program on 6-7-8th grade students' aggression levels. GAUN-JSS. 2015;14:499-511. https://doi.org/10.21547/jss.256772
  • 6. Sevinç S, Gizir CA. Factors that negatively affect the adaptation to the university from the perspective of university first year students (Mersin University Example). Educational Sciences in Theory and Practice. 2014;14(4):1285-1308. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1045063.pdf
  • 7. Subaşı Çağlar S. The effect of peer education on clinical practice skills in nursing students: A meta-analysis study. Karabük University, Master's Thesis, Istanbul/Turkey; 2022.
  • 8. Türküm AS, Kızıltaş A, Sarıyer A. Preliminary study on the psychological needs of the target audience of Anadolu University Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center. Turkish Journal of Psychological Counseling and Guidance. 2016;3(21):1–13. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/tpdrd/issue/21441/229625
  • 9. Atasoy I, Doğu Ö. Peer support importance in the school of health science students. J Hum Rhythm. 2017;3(1):62-67. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/296282
  • 10. Musal B. Peer counseling program at Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine: Two years of experience. World of Medical Education. 2018;17(53):5-12. https://doi.org/10.25282/ted.454712
  • 11. Şenyuva E, Akince, EK. Is peer education an effective method of strengthening nursing education? Is peer education an effective method in strengthening nursing education? JHS.2020;17(1):92-103. https://www.j-humansciences.com/ojs/index.php/IJHS/article/view/5779/3343
  • 12. Sözer NÖ. The effect of peer mentoring on nursing students' individual, social and academic adjustment. Istanbul University – Cerrahpaşa Graduate Education Institute, Department of Nursing Education, Master's Thesis, Istanbul/Turkey; 2022.
  • 13. Tükeltürk ŞA, Balcı M. The process of initialization of mentoring at universities, its significance and attainment; A Research on Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart.OYBD. 2014;6(1):137-155. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/oybd/issue/16343/171151
  • 14. Özkan S, Yılmaz E. University students’ adaptation to university life: The Bandırma example. Fırat Sağlık Hizmetleri Dergisi. 2010;5(13):153-171. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292989046_Universite_Ogrencilerinin_Universite_Yasamina_Uyum_Durumlari_Bandirma_OrnegiAdaptation_Status_of_University_Students_to_University_Life_Bandirma_Example
  • 15. Kim SC, Oliveri D, Riingen M, Taylor B, RankinL. Randomized controlled trial of graduate-to-undergraduate student counseloring program. J Prof Nurs. 2013;29(6):e43-e49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2013.04.003
  • 16. Vogan CL, McKimm J, Da Silva, AL, Grant A. Twelve tips for providing effective student support in undergraduate medical education. Med Teach. 2014;36:480-485. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2014.907488
  • 17. Sözer NÖ, Şenyuva E. The effect of peer counseling on nursing students’ individual, social and academic adjustment. Presented at: 2nd International & 8th National Nursing Education Congress; November 24-26, 2022; Kuşadası, Turkey. Abstract 61. https://motto.tc/siteler/www.nursingedu8.com/
  • 18. Peters H, Zdravkovic M, Costa MJ, Celenza A, Ghias K, Klamen D, Mossop L, Rieder M, Nadarajah VD, Wangsaturaka D, Wohlin M, Weggemans M. Twelve tips for enhancing student engagement. Med Teach. 2019;41(6):632-637. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2018.1459530
  • 19. Stenberg M, Carlson E. Swedish student nurses’ perception of peer learning as an educational model during clinical practice in a hospital setting—an evaluation study. BMC Nurs. 2015;14:1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-015-0098-2
  • 20. Topkaya N, Meydan B. University students’ problem areas, sources of help, and ıntentions to seek psychological help. Trakya University Faculty of Education Journal. 2013;3(1):25-37. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/200355
  • 21. Ho Y, Kwon OY, Park SY, Yoon TY. A study of satisfaction of medical students on their counseloring programs at one medical school in Korea. Korean J Med Educ.2017;29(4): 253-262. https://doi.org/10.3946/kjme.2017.71
  • 22. Aslan S. Development of the University Life Adaptation Scale Development of Adjustment to University Life Scale. HU Journal of Education. 2015;30(4):132-145.
  • 23. Akın A, Anlı G. Adaptation of the Personal Growth Initiative Scale. Mersin University Journal of the Faculty of Education. 2011;7(1):42-49. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/160826
  • 24. Kachaturoff M, Caboral-Stevens M, GeeM, Lan VM. Effects of peer-counseloring on stress and anxiety levels of undergraduate nursing students: An integrative review. Journal of Professional Nursing. 2020;36(4):223-228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2019.12.007
  • 25. Kaya H, Akçin E. What is collaborative learning? What is her place in nursing education? Florence Nightingale Journal of Nursing. 2015;13(54):9-16. https://fnjn.org/Content/files/sayilar/186/9-16.pdf
  • 26. Korkmaz M, Kıran Esen B. The effects of peer-training about secure internet use on adolescents. Turkish PCG-Association. 2012;4(38):180-187. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/200072
  • 27. Mete S, İşbir GG, Tokat MA, Vural F. An investigation of the views of nursing students about peer education in clinical education. JERN. 2011;8(3):16-25. https://jer-nursing.org/jvi.aspx?un=JERN-46036&volume=8&issue=3
  • 28. Şancı Y, Kelleci Ö. Views on peer education of nursing students: An example of a Foundation University. SBÜHD. 2019;1(2):104-111. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/787969
  • 29. Nazlı S. Comprehensive development alguidance program. (Rev. late. 7th bs). Ankara: Anı Publishing; 2019.
  • 30. Akyüz İ, Yılmaz Ş, Beyenal S. Social adaptation levels of university students living in the youth and sports Ministry Dormitories. PESA International Journal of Social Studies. 2019;5(2):92-106. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/715256
  • 31. Ergün Y, Şahin Orak N, Islattı Mutlu Ç, Kolaç N. The experiences and opinions of the students of the nursing department about the peer management program: A state university example. Future of Nursing Education Symposium 3: Approaches to Improving Education in the Pandemic Process, Turkey, 27 September 2021; 138.
  • 32. Kramer D, Hillman SM, Zavala M. Developing a culture of caring and support through a peer counselorship program. J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(7):430-435. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20180618-09
  • 33. Yelten G, Tanrıverdi S, Gider B, Yılmaz M. Evaluation of peer support and social self-efficacy perception in university students. BAUN Health Sci J. 2018;7(1):1-8. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/balikesirsbd/issue/38836/452781
  • 34. Pinks D, Warren-James M, Katsikitis M. Does a peer social support group intervention using the cares skills framework work improve emotional expression demotion-focused coping in paramedic students? Australas Emerg Care. 2021;24(4):308-313. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.auec.2021.03.005
  • 35. Beri N, Jain M. Personal growth initiative among undergraduate students: Influence of emotional self-efficacy and general well-being. Rupkatha J Interdiscip Stud Humanit. 2016;8(2):43-56. http://dx.doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v8n2.05
There are 35 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Nurse Education, Nursing (Other)
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Naz Özüm Sözer This is me 0000-0002-4056-851X

Emine Akçin Şenyuva 0000-0001-8855-6692

Early Pub Date September 14, 2025
Publication Date September 24, 2025
Submission Date June 19, 2024
Acceptance Date June 27, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 28 Issue: 3

Cite

AMA Sözer NÖ, Akçin Şenyuva E. The Effect of Peer Counseling on Individual, Social and Academic Adaptation of Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Nursology. September 2025;28(3):283-293. doi:10.17049/jnursology.1502527

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