The Mediating Effects of Self-worth and Interpersonal Communication on the Relationship between Metacognitive Ability and Self-directed Learning Ability among Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: To explore the relationship between metacognitive ability and self-directed learning ability of nursing students, along with the mediating effect of self-worth and interpersonal communication between them. Methods: A total of 905 nursing undergraduates from 6 universities in Shaanxi Province were selected as the survey objects by convenient sampling method, and 851（94.03%）were effectively responsed. Metacognitive Assessment Inventory, Adolescent Sense of Self-worth Scale, Supportive Communication Scale and Self-directed Learning Ability Scale were used to evaluate the metacognitive ability, self-worth, interpersonal communication ability and self-directed learning ability of nursing students. Results: （1） The results indicated that the metacognitive ability, self-worth, and interpersonal communication ability were all positively correlated with the self-directed learning ability (all P<0 .001). （2）The mediating effects of self-worth and interpersonal communication on metacognitive ability and self-directed learning were significant (all P < 0.001). （3）Metacognitive ability could have an indirect effect on self-directed learning through the self-worth and interpersonal communication ability intermediary chain. Conclusions: Improving the metacognitive level and self-worth of nursing students and cultivating good interpersonal communication ability are conducive to improving the self-directed learning ability of nursing students.