An Investigation of the Perceptions of Nursing Students in Clinical Practice on Crab Barrel Syndrome: A Descriptive Study

Introduction: Nursing education aims to equip students with professional skills by transforming theoretical knowledge into practice. However, clinical placements can lead to stress and emotional challenges among nursing students. The aim of this study is to identify the perceptions of nursing students regarding the Crab Barrel Syndrome during their clinical practice. Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 319 nursing students enrolled in a faculty located in the Mediterranean region. Data were collected using a "Demographic Information Form" and the "Crabs in a Barrel Syndrome Scale." The data were analyzed using t-tests and analysis of variance.
Results: The average total score of students on the Crabs in a Barrel Syndrome Scale was 3.04±0.53, indicating a moderate level of experience. Male students scored significantly higher than female students in the cognitive dimension (p<0.05). When comparing class levels, fourth-year students had higher scores in the cognitive dimension compared to students in other years. Additionally, students dissatisfied with their internships scored significantly higher in the emotional and behavioral dimensions.
Discussion and Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that nursing students undergoing clinical placements experience a moderate level of Crab Barrel Syndrome. Gender roles and class levels appear to influence students’ cognitive awareness of the phenomenon. Dissatisfaction with internships is associated with heightened emotional and behavioral dimensions of the syndrome. To enhance professional development and emotional solidarity among students, it is recommended to develop policies that provide better support during clinical placements. Moreover, future research should include diverse professional groups and organizational factors to provide a broader understanding of Crab Barrel Syndrome.

Keywords: Clinical internship; Crab Barrel Syndrome; Nursing student