Resilience and academic motivation's mediation effects in nursing students' academic stress and self-directed learning: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the mediating role of resilience and academic motivation between academic stress and self-directed learning.

Background: Academic stress in nursing students is a well-reported concept that affects resilience, academic motivation and self-directed learning. However, there is a dearth of studies investigating the mediating role of resilience and academic motivation between academic stress and self-directed learning.

Design: Cross-sectional study and mediation analysis.

Methods: Nursing students (n = 718) were recruited from five nursing schools via convenience sampling. Four self-report scales (Perception of Academic Stress Scale, Connor and Davidson Resilience Scale, Short Academic Motivation Scale and Self-directed Learning Instrument) were used to collect data from August to December 2022. Pearson's r, bivariate analysis and multistage regression analyses were employed to analyze the data.

Results: Academic stress negatively influences nursing students' resilience, academic motivation and self-directed learning. Resilience and academic motivation have a positive impact on self-directed learning. Resilience and academic motivation mediate the relationship between academic stress and self-directed learning, as evidenced by a reduction in the negative impacts of academic stress on nursing students.

Conclusion: Resilience and academic motivation, as mediators, reduce the effects of academic stress on self-directed learning. Nursing educators and administrators should promote programs that strengthen resilience and academic motivation. Thus, improving educational and clinical performance.

Keywords: Academic motivation; Academic stress; Mediation analysis; Nursing students; Resilience; Self-directed learning.