Correlation study of the locus of control with career adaptability and career decision-making self-efficacy of nursing students

Abstract

Objective To study the correlation between the locus of control and career adaptability and career decision-making self-efficacy of nursing students. Methods Totally 500 nursing students from four tertiary hospitals of our province were randomly selected as the investigation object. A total of 500 questionnaires were sent out, invalid questionnaires were excluded, 498 valid questionnaires were recovered, the effective recovery rate was 99.6%. The scores of the subjects were investigated by using the Locus of Control Scale, the Career Adaptability Scale and the Career Choice Efficacy Scale as the evaluation tools. Results The overall average score of the ability of locus of control was higher in this investigation. The overall average score of career adjustment strength was (3.93±1.27) points, which was at a high level. The total score of the career efficacy scale was (3.36±1.17) points. Nursing students in each dimension of career adaptability and internal control had a significant positive correlation (r=0.119-0.241, P 0.05). Conclusions The locus of control and nursing students' career adaptability and career decision-making self-efficacy are closely related, improve the locus of control, and promote the transformation of nursing students attribution from exterior to interior, is the key process of cultivating correct career motivation and career transition for nursing students. Key words: Locus of control; Students, nursing; Career adaptability; Career choice