Self-Rating Scale of Self-Directed Learning (SRSSDL): preliminary results from the Italian validation process

Abstract

Self-directed learning is considered a key feature in the learning process. Despite the emerging debate regarding continuing education strategies and the effectiveness and pertinence of the learning needs of adult learners, little evidence is available on the measurement of the self-directed learning competence of nurses. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Self-rating Scale of Self-directed Learning (SRSSDL) in an Italian sample of nurses. The forward—backward translation process of the original SRSSDL was adopted. Forty-one nurses were involved in the test—retest reliability. Internal consistency was evaluated in a convenience sample of 334 nurses working in Northeast Italy. The Italian version of the SRSSDL has demonstrated good reliability (Pearson coefficient 0.73) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient 0.94). The SRSSDL was found to be a valid and reliable instrument in the Italian context. This study has implemented the external validity of the scale by its application to a different population and context in its first validation process.