Clinical Teaching Effectiveness of Instructors and Preceptors

Abstract

Objective: To explore meanings and values of “love” among adolescents with quarrel behavior, based on Watson’s Human Care theory and Fromm’s Theory of Love. Methods: Ten participants, 5 female and 5 male students studying in the vocational schools under the Ministry of Education, Chon Buri, were purposively selected. All participants had experiences involving fighting and had been formally disciplined by their schools. Story-telling with drawing together with in-depth interview was used in data collection. Semi-structured questions guided the interview. Thematic technique was utilized for data analysis. Results: The findings indicated 5 meanings of “love” among these adolescents which consisted of 1) love is willingness to offer, 2) love is being there, 3) love is being open-minded and accepting the others’ self, 4) love is caring and being considerate, and 5) love is being involved. Through story-telling, willingness and acts representing 6 values of “love” emerged. When they knew love, they desired to be a good person, felt relaxed and relieved, felt nourished, knew how to appreciate life, knew how to make others happy, and knew how to do for others. Conclusion: Concepts of “love” in adolescents with quarrel behaviors were revealed. Nurses and related professionals should deal with adolescents as who they are, with care and acceptance. Adolescents should be allowed to express freely with accepting manners so that developmental skills to live with others in a productive way could be promoted.Key words: love, adolescent, quarrel behavior, story-telling, drawing