Self-Efficacy and Professional Identity Among Freshmen Nursing Students: A Latent Profile and Moderated Mediation Analysis

This study was designed to estimate the associations between self-efficacy and professional identity. A total of 1,051 freshmen nursing students (FNSs) from the Be Resilient to Nursing Career (BRNC) program were recruited from four universities between September and November 2020. A latent profile and moderated meditation analysis were performed. Four profiles of self-efficacy were identified and named as Lowest (15.6%), Med-low (45.0%), Med-high (32.7%), and Highest (6.7%). The mediating role of resilience and the moderating effect of role models were also identified. Therefore, self-efficacy, resilience, and role models may be three important factors to professional identity in FNSs and these relationships should be further validated in longitudinal or interventional studies.

Automated summary

This study aimed to examine the associations between self-efficacy and professional identity. The findings from a survey of 1,051 freshmen nursing students suggested that self-efficacy, resilience, and role models may be three important factors influencing professional identity in this group. Further validation is needed through longitudinal or interventional studies.