Investigating puzzle games' impact on nursing students' death anxiety and life meaning
Mechanisms and Design Framework Study of Gamified Education in Professional Identity Formation for Medical Undergraduates
This study is testing whether playing a puzzle game can help nursing students feel less anxious about death and find more meaning in life compared to those who learn from traditional manuals.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Months and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | China Medical University, China Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shenyang, Liaoning) |
| Trial ID | NCT06991621 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study aims to explore the effects of a scenario-based puzzle educational game on death anxiety and the sense of meaning in life among nursing students. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which engages with the puzzle game, or a control group that receives traditional death education manuals. The study will assess the effectiveness of the game-based intervention by comparing outcomes between the two groups, focusing on changes in death anxiety and perceived meaning in life. Additionally, the study will gather insights into the participants' experiences and perceptions of the educational game.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are third-year full-time undergraduate nursing students who have completed clinical observation training.
Not a fit: Patients who have participated in similar death education interventions within the past 3 months or those diagnosed with severe mental disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide nursing students with innovative tools to manage death anxiety and enhance their sense of purpose.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using puzzle games in this context may be novel, similar studies have shown that educational interventions can effectively reduce anxiety and improve coping mechanisms.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Third-year full-time undergraduate nursing students * Completed clinical observation training but not yet entered clinical internship phase * Aged ≥18 years * Provide informed consent and voluntarily participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Participated in similar death education interventions within the past 3 months * Diagnosed with severe mental or psychological disorders * Currently on a leave of absence (academic or personal)
Where this trial is running
Shenyang, Liaoning
- School of Nursing, China Medical University — Shenyang, Liaoning, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Wenna Qian
- Email: wenna13314021865@163.com
- Phone: 13314021865
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.