An instrument for measuring autonomy-related attitudes and behaviors in women nursing students

For the past 30 years, researchers have attempted to measure the characteristic of autonomy in nursing students, yet for the most part, the findings reflect neither an accurate nor current profile. Historically, there has been a misunderstanding of how women manifest autonomy due to the tradition of defining autonomy based on the male model, i.e., autonomy through power and separation. Nurse researcher-educators are in a unique position to develop instruments, conduct research, and interpret findings concerning characteristics identified as important for women nursing students. The purpose of this study was to design an instrument for quantitative measurement of autonomy-related attitudes and behaviors specific to women nursing students based on the female model, i.e., autonomy through caring and affiliation. Stability reliability (test/retest = 0.90), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84), and content and construct (factor analysis, contrasted groups, experimental manipulation, and convergent) validity have been established for this instrument. It is intended that the instrument be used to evaluate the efficacy of the socialization process in nursing education.