The mediating effect of self-directed learning ability between professional identity and burnout among nursing students

Abstract

Objectives: Burnout influences students’ academic performance and mental health. This study analyzed the relationship between professional identity, self-directed learning ability, and burnout, and examined the mediating effect of self-directed learning ability between professional identity and burnout among nursing students. Methods: 884 nursing students were recruited at two medical universities in China. Demographic information, Academic Burnout Scale, Professional Identity Questionnaire for Nursing Students, and Self-directed Learning Instrument were distributed to collect data. Results: Both professional identity (β = −0.17) and self-directed learning ability (β = −0.43) showed negative associations with students’ burnout. Meanwhile, there was a partial mediating effect of self-directed learning ability between professional identity and burnout (−0.24, 95% CI = −0.30, −0.20). Conclusions: Nursing educators should emphasize on developing effective strategies to improve nursing students’ professional identity and self-directed learning ability to prevent or reduce their burnout.

Keywords

• Burnout
• Nursing students
• Professional identity
• Self-directed learning
• Mediation analysis
• Nursing