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Self-reported motivation for choosing nursing studies: a self-determination theory perspective
Linda Messineo1, Mario Allegra2, Luciano Seta2
1Istituto per le Tecnologie Didattiche, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, 90146, Italy. linda.messineo@itd.cnr.it.
BMC Medical Education
|June 12, 2019
Summary
Understanding nursing student motivation is key to retention. This study identified four profiles of motivation, aiding academic nursing schools in developing strategies to support students and prevent attrition.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Psychology
- Higher Education
Background:
- Global nursing shortage necessitates improved student retention.
- Understanding undergraduate nursing student motivation is crucial for retention strategies.
- Self-determination theory provides a framework for analyzing motivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the motivations of first-year nursing students for choosing their field of study.
- To apply self-determination theory to understand student motivation.
- To identify factors influencing nursing student retention.
Main Methods:
- Study conducted at the University of Palermo's Medical School with 133 first-year nursing students.
- Utilized a two-part questionnaire assessing socio-demographic aspects and motivations.
- Employed thematic and dimensional analysis, alongside a person-centred approach, to define motivational profiles.
Main Results:
- Nursing student motivations align with autonomous and controlled motivation types from self-determination theory.
- Four distinct motivational profiles were identified: good quality, poor quality, low quantity, and low quantity/poor quality.
- Factor analysis confirmed a single dimension organizing student motivations.
Conclusions:
- Self-determination theory offers a robust framework for interpreting nursing student motivations.
- Findings provide valuable insights for academic nursing schools.
- Results can inform the development of effective strategies to enhance student motivation and retention.
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