Effects of Aromatherapy and Music on Stress and Self-Esteem in Nursing Students

Abstract

Background: Nursing students frequently experience elevated anxiety during injection practices, which can negatively affect their performance and well-being. Exploring supportive, nonpharmacological interventions is crucial in clinical education. Method: This single-blind, pretest/ posttest, randomized controlled study included 102 firstyear nursing students (aromatherapy = 34, aromatherapy + music = 34, control = 34) at a state university. Data were collected using validated tools between February 28, 2025, and May 10, 2025. Statistical analyses included t tests, analysis of variance, and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. Results: Both intervention groups demonstrated a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and anxiety levels compared to the control group (p < .001). Conclusion: Aromatherapy and music-assisted aromatherapy are effective in reducing anxiety and systolic blood pressure during injection practice. Integrating such complementary methods into nursing education may support students' psychological well-being and enhance clinical learning experiences.