The mediating effect of critical thinking between interest in learning and caring among nursing students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Previous studies have explored the influence of interest in learning on caring and critical thinking, as well as the relationship between caring and critical thinking. However, the mediating effect of critical thinking in interest learning and caring among nursing students has not been clarified. Methods Nursing students who enrolled for the 2021/2022 academic year in diploma, undergraduate, or graduate programs in five provinces of China (Guangdong, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Hunan and Macao). An online survey with a convenience sampling method was employed to collect data. The questionnaires were administered to 692 participants between January 20 and 26, 2022. Amos 26.0 was employed to establish the structural equation modelling and analyze the mediating effect of critical thinking on interest in learning and caring. Results The first regression equation showed that interest in learning significantly influenced caring (β = 0.339, p < 0.001). The third regression equation showed that critical thinking significantly influenced caring (β = 0.494, p < 0.001). The effect of interest in learning on caring was less in the third equation than in the first equation (β = 0.154 vs β = 0.339), which indicates partial mediation. Furthermore, interest in learning had an indirect positive effect (β = 0.186, p < 0.001) on caring mediated by critical thinking, with 95% confidence interval of 0.142 to 0.233. Conclusions Critical thinking was a significant mediator of the relationship between interest in learning and caring. It is suggested that nursing colleges and instructors should take into account students’ interest in learning and critical thinking as potential intervention elements to enhance caring.

Gender similarities and differences in the perception of caring among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study

“…Nursing educators need to adopt strategies to integrate male nursing students into predominantly female classrooms. Despite the fact that men may be limited by their innate temperament, which makes them weak in caring, nursing educators can make full use of their innate critical thinking, as research suggests that critical thinking is a potential intervention element in caring [ 51 ].…”

The effects of simulation-based education on undergraduate nursing students' competences: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

“…The SIQ is a four-point Likert scale ranging from 18 to 72, where a higher total score indicates a greater degree of interest in the field of study [28]. The SIQ has good reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.90) and validity when applied to Chinese nursing students [29].…”