Self-directed learning in dental hygiene students: Impact of locus of control and personality traits.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify demographic variables, the level of self-directed learning (SDL), locus of control (LOC), and personality traits in dental hygiene (DH) students and to identify predictive variables for SDL. Cross-sectional survey research was conducted with a convenience sample of DH students (n=229) in the United States using a web-based survey. The validated instruments used were the Self-Directed Learning Instrument (SDLI) to determine level of SDL, the Academic Locus of Control (ALC) scale for college students to evaluate LOC, and the Big Five Inventory-2-Extra Short Form (BFI-2-XS) to identify personality traits. Descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses were performed. The completion rate was 68.9% (n=159). The average SDLI score of the sample was 82.59, indicating a high overall level of SDL. The average ALC score was 10.34, indicating an overall internal LOC. Internal LOC (B=-0.319, SE=0.082, β=-0.330, p<0.001) and an open-minded personality trait (B=1.156, SE=0.363, β=0.233, p=0.002) emerged as significant predictors of learning motivation (B=-0.138, SE=0.057, β=-0.214, p<0.017) and self-monitoring (B=0.553, SE=0.253, β=0.167, p=0.030) SDLI constructs. SDL among DH students can be cultivated by enhancing their learning motivation and self-monitoring skills. This may be achieved by helping learners increase their internal locus of control and open-mindedness. Future studies should explore exercises to help promote these traits.