Abstract
To examine the mediating effect of general self-efficacy on the relationship between the source of meaning in life (SML) and prosocial behaviours in vocational college nursing students. Between March and June 2019, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted, and 799 nursing students from three vocational colleges completed the Source of Meaning in Life Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale and Prosocial Behaviours Scale. Data were analyzed using structural equation modelling and statistical analysis by SPSS (version 23.0, IBM). The average SML, general self-efficacy and prosocial behaviours scores of the 799 nursing students were 6.43±0.83, 2.48±0.59 and 3.69±0.62, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that SML, general self-efficacy and prosocial behaviours were positively correlated (P<0.01). General self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between SML and prosocial behaviours (P<0.01); this mediating effect contributed 22.97% of the total effect and explained 17.6% of the variance in the dependent variable. Educators should focus on cultivating nursing students' cognition and experience of meaning in life and their efficacy in life, study and work, which can improve students' "people-oriented" service and prosocial behaviour and the quality of nursing services.
Highlights
In China, 3-year vocational college nursing students constitute an important part of the nursing work force and account for more than 60% of the total number of nursing students [1, 2]
Correlation analysis showed that source of meaning in life (SML), general self-efficacy and prosocial behaviours were positively correlated (P
General self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between SML and prosocial behaviours (P
Summary
In China, 3-year vocational college nursing students constitute an important part of the nursing work force and account for more than 60% of the total number of nursing students [1, 2]. The majority of them are from only-child families, female, and unmarried [1] They have relatively unique advantages and lack positive motivation, have poor communication skills, lack a strong sense of self, have weak teamwork ability, and have poor self-bearing and poor self-management ability [5, 6]. These students are in an important period in the formation of their life and professional values, so it is very important to cultivate their knowledge and skills, provide them with a quality education and cultivate their humanistic care ability [7]
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