Date
12-4-2025
Department
School of Nursing
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
Chair
Theresa Pape
Keywords
gaming, simulation, escape rooms, anxiety, nursing education, curriculum, stress
Disciplines
Nursing
Recommended Citation
McFann, Bethany L., "The Effects of Escape Room Simulations on Stress Levels of Sophomore Baccalaureate Nursing Students: An Experimental Study" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7729.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7729
Abstract
The purpose of this quantitative experimental pretest -posttest design using an experimental and control group was to determine if gaming escape room simulation will decrease BSN nursing students' stress in high fidelity simulation (HFS). The sample size of 64 students had 32 students randomly assigned to each group, the control and the experimental group. The first-year sophomore Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) students at a state university were randomly assigned to either traditional or escape room simulation scenarios. Stress levels of each group were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) tool before and after the simulations with statistical analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). A two-way, repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. The study focused on alleviating stress through innovative instructional approaches guided by Lazarus and Folkman's transactional model of stress, appraisal, and coping and Knowles adult learning theory. The study assessed differences in stress levels between the two groups and evaluated the impact of prior escape room experience on anticipated stress reduction. The research is important for nursing education, offering insights into alternative teaching strategies that may enhance student learning outcomes and well-being. The findings inform nursing educators and support the implementation of innovative teaching methods to reduce stress and improve educational experiences for nursing students.
