The Relationship between Psychosocial Development and Liking of Children In Nurses Working In Pediatric Clinics

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted for determining the relationship between psychosocial development and liking of children in nursing working in pediatric clinics.
METHODS: The study was conducted as descriptive and correlational study on 110 nurses working at two hospitals. Data were collected using information form, the Modified Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory (MEPSI), and the Barnett Liking of Children Scale. Descriptive statistical tests, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis, Pearson correlation and regression analysis and Cronbach’s alpha were used in the data analysis stage.
RESULTS: It was found that there was a positive, weak, and significant correlation between liking of children and the subscales of trust, autonomy, industry, identity, and generativity (p<0.05). On the other hand, there was a very weak, positive, and significant correlation between liking of children and the subscales of initiative and ego integrity (p<0.05). No significant correlation was observed between liking of children and the subscale of intimacy (p>0.05). It was observed that there was a weak correlation between the level of liking of children and the determinant variables of trust, autonomy, initiative, industry, identity, intimacy, generativity, and ego integrity (R2=0.133).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It was concluded nurses’ levels of trust and autonomy increased the level of liking of children.