Abstract:

Objective To investigate the chain mediating effects of self-leadership and academic self-efficacy between professional identity and self-directed learning readiness among nursing students，so as to provide a basis for the implementation of intervention strategies to improve self-directed learning readiness of nursing students. Methods From March to October 2023，a convenience sampling method was used to select nursing students with different educational backgrounds from six grade-A tertiary hospitals in Anhui Province. A questionnaire survey was conducted using a general information questionnaire，a professional identity scale，a self-leadership scale，an academic self-efficacy scale，and a self-directed learning readiness scale. Results The professional identity score of 951 nursing students was （53.90±6.15）points，the self-leadership score was （120.16±18.89）points，the academic self-efficacy score was （76.74±10.57）points，and the self-directed learning readiness score was （145.32±16.42）points. Professional identity，self-leadership and academic self-efficacy were all positively correlated with self-directed learning readiness（all P<0.01）.Professional identity directly affected self-directed learning readiness，with a direct effect value of 0.112（95%CI：0.076-0.180）. Professional identity affected self-directed learning readiness through self-leadership，with a mediating effect value of 0.144（95%CI：0.122-0.208）. Professional identity affected self-directed learning readiness through academic self-efficacy，with a mediating effect value of 0.023（95%CI：0.009-0.045）. The chain mediation value of self-leadership and academic self-efficacy of nursing students between professional identity and self-directed learning readiness was 0.088（95%CI：0.069-0.134）. Conclusion The self-directed learning readiness of nursing students is not only directly affected by their professional identity，but also indirectly affects the self-directed learning readiness through the chain mediation effect of self-leadership and academic self-efficacy.Nursing educators should attach importance to cultivating the professional identity and self-leadership of nursing students，improving their academic self-efficacy，and improving their readiness for self-directed learning.

Key words: Nursing students, Professional identity, Self-leadership, Academic self-efficacy, Self-directed learning readiness, Chain mediation