Subjectivity on Communication Styles of Nursing Freshmen : Q Methodological Approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the types of subjectivity on communication styles of nursing freshmen and explore their properties by using the Q Methodology. Fifty nursing freshmen of P sample classified 55 Q-statements into the normal distribution of 11 point scale. Data were collected from May to June, 2015 and analyzed by using PC-QUANL program. As a result, communication styles are identified as 'Open-interaction facilitator', 'Other-considerate listener', 'Tense-sensitive to criticism person', and 'Non-interactive observer'. Open-interaction facilitators proficiently use verbal and nonverbal expressions, openly disclosing themselves and facilitating interactions with others. Other-considerate listeners primarily consider others before themselves, with careful communication. Tense-sensitive to criticism persons are nervous, sensitive to criticism, and are distractive style, so they have difficulties in intimate interaction with others. Non-interactive observers are bystanders who observe others and feel indifferent to interactions, without any self disclosure. The result of this study will be used for developing communication educational programs for nursing freshmen.■ keyword :|Communication Style|Nursing Students|Q Methodology|