JCNRJournal of Clinical and Nursing Research2208-36852208-3693Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.10.26689/jcnr.v10i2.14113ArticleA Study on the Correlation between Peer Caring Behavior and Empathy among Undergraduate Nursing Studentshttps://artdesignp.com/journal/JCNR/10/2/10.26689/jcnr.v10i2.14113XuFang,XiaoJuan,HuXiaofang,XuJianfeng,YuanShaoyan20261022026-03-10Objective: To understand the current status of peer caring behavior and empathy among undergraduate nursing students and to explore the relationship between the two. Method: Using the convenience sampling method, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 292 nursing students from a medical college in Jiangxi Province, using the Peer Caring Behavior Scale and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy. Results: The score for peer caring behavior among undergraduate nursing students was 85.00 (78.00–92.00), and the score for empathy was 101.00 (92.00–110.00). A positive correlation was found between the two (r = 0.362, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The level of peer caring behavior among undergraduate nursing students is above average, while their empathy level is moderate, with a positive correlation between the two. This suggests that nursing educators should strengthen the development of peer caring behavior, which may help enhance the empathy of undergraduate nursing students.

Dohrenwend A, 2018, Defining Empathy to Better Teach, Measure, and Understand Its Impact. Academic Medicine, 93(12): 1754–1756.

Han C, 2022, Effects of Physician Empathic Sensitivity and Empathic Expression Patterns on Patient Perceived Empathy and Satisfaction, thesis, Shanghai Normal University.

Wang Y, Zhang Y, Liu M, et al., 2020, Research on the Formation of Humanistic Care Ability in Nursing Students: A Structural Equation Approach. Nurse Education Today, 86: 104315.

Mahmoud S, Abd-Elhafez K, Marzouk S, et al., 2019, Nursing Students’ Attitudes Toward Nursing Profession and Its Relation to Study Adjustment. International Journal of Nursing Didactics, 9(7): 9–16.

Wu W, Pan Y, Li H, et al., 2023, The Correlation Between Self-Reflection and Insight Ability and Empathy of Undergraduate Nursing Students. Chinese Journal of Nursing Education, 20(3): 289–293.

Hojat M, Gonnella J, Nasca T, et al., 2002, Physician Empathy: Definition, Components, Behavior, and Relationship to Gender and Specialty. American Journal of Psychiatry, 159(9): 1563–1569.

Qiu Z, 2010, Survey Research on the Current Status of Empathy Among Nursing Students in Vocational Colleges in Hunan Province, thesis, Sun Yat-sen University.

Kuo C, Turton M, Lee-Hsieh J, et al., 2007, Measuring Peer Caring Behaviors of Nursing Students: Scale Development. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 44(1): 105–114.

Chen S, Li S, Zhang Z, 2009, Analysis of Correlation Between School Caring Environment, Inter-Student Caring and Nursing Students’ Caring Capacity. Journal of Nursing (China), 16(22): 1–3.

Wang Y, Zhou L, 2021, The Correlation Between Caring Ability and Caring Atmosphere Among Nursing Undergraduates. Chinese Journal of Nursing Education, 18(9): 819–822.

Duan Z, Bu R, Liu H, et al., 2016, Investigation and Analysis of Integrating Humanistic Quality Education into Basic Medical Courses in Nursing Education. Health Vocational Education, 34(17): 117–118.

Yang Q, Chen S, Wang Y, et al., 2025, An Analysis of the Mediating Effect of Empathy on the Professional Values of Nursing Undergraduates and the Willingness to Work in Elderly Care of Nursing Practitioners in Yunnan. PSY, 20(13): 122–124 + 143.

Dong Z, Lu H, Cao Y, 2022, The Influence of Nurses’ Empathy on the Sense of Professional Gain in Tertiary Grade-A Hospitals. Chinese General Practice Nursing, 20(4): 563–567.

Du H, Hu A, Han J, et al., 2022, The Construction of an Empathy Ability Training Program for Nursing Interns. Chinese Journal of Nursing Education, 19(5): 426–431.

Wang W, Wang Y, Li C, 2025, Correlation Analysis Between Professional Commitment and Empathy Among Post-2000s Undergraduate Nursing Interns. Modern Nurse, 32(3): 163–166.