The Therapeutic Effects of Learning Magic Tricks Among Appalachian State University Nursing Students and Faculty

Background: Magic therapy has been shown to positively impact various populations such as by promoting well-being, and increasing self-esteem, motivation, and socialization. One underexplored area is magic therapy’s effect on stress, particularly in high-stress populations such as nursing students. Purpose: This project’s purpose was to examine the impacts of learning magic tricks on well-being promotion and stress reduction in nursing students and faculty, as well as its applicability to nursing practice. Process: A three-session magic workshop was delivered to nursing students and faculty. Participants completed a questionnaire in which they self-reported stress levels and reflected on the workshop experience. Results: Across all sessions, participants showed a trend of decreased self-reported stress levels post-session. 100% (n=15) of participants reported improved well-being, 93.3% (n=14) saw potential use of magic in their nursing practice, and 60% (n=9) felt prepared to teach others. Eight themes emerged: A way to decompress and increase mood, learning something new, fun and laughter, connection with others, logistics as a barrier, magic makes people happy, enjoyment, and a desire to attend again. Implications to nursing practice: Magic therapy may be a unique avenue to reduce stress in nursing students and faculty, promote well-being and coping, and prevent burnout. Teaching magic tricks to future professionals could help increase the use of magic therapy in healthcare, benefiting patients in the process and strengthening the nurse-patient relationship. Addressing logistical barriers to the use of magic therapy in healthcare could help to promote this opportunity. Keywords: magic tricks, nursing, well-being, stress, students, faculty<p></p>