The effect of aromatherapy on learning and anxiety: A randomized controlled study

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the effect of aromatherapy on nursing students’ skill acquisition and anxiety experienced during skills training.
METHODS: The population of this randomized controlled study consisted of all nursing students actively enrolled at a foundation university during the spring semester of the 2023–2024 academic year. The sample consisted of 73 students (experimental=37, control=36) who met the inclusion criteria and voluntarily participated in the study. Lemon, orange, and frankincense essential oils were used during the intervention. Data were collected using the Descriptive Informa-tion Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion Skills Checklist.
RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups in terms of age, sex, or baseline STAI scores (p>0.05). In the experimental group, the mean pretest STAI score was 37.81±10.19, and the mean posttest score was 40.43±10.46; the difference between the scores was statistically significant (p<0.05). In the control group, the mean pretest STAI score was 36.38±9.94, while the mean posttest score was 38.30±10.25; the differ-ence was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The mean Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion Skills Checklist score was significantly higher in the experimental group (77.05±11.26) than in the control group (62.63±11.88) (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of pretest and posttest STAI scores (p>0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy may have a positive effect on learning. However, aromatherapy was not found to be effec-tive in reducing students’ anxiety levels.

Keywords: Anxiety, aromatherapy, learning, nursing education, nursing skills