Structural Equation Modeling of Nursing Students’ Career Preparation Behavior

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to construct and verify a structural equation model (SEM) of nursing college students’ career preparation behavior. This study examined prior studies that utilize the SCCT model and CSM model and developed a theoretical framework by deriving five core variables, including career preparation behavior, and establishing a causal relationship between these variables. Materials and methods: This model validation study constructed a hypothetical model by combining the factors and results that affect nursing college students’ career preparation behavior. The sample was composed of 200 nursing students in Korea. Results: Regarding satisfaction with major, there was a significant direct effect with career decision-making self-efficacy and career stress. Regarding career decision, satisfaction with major had an indirect effect through career decision-making self-efficacy and career stress, and career decision-making self-efficacy and career stress had a significant direct effect. With regards to career preparation behavior, satisfaction with major had a significant indirect effect through career decision-making self-efficacy, career stress, and career decision; moreover, career decision-making self-efficacy had a significant indirect effect through career decision. Furthermore, career stress also showed a significant indirect effect through career decision. Career decision had a significant direct effect on career preparation behavior. Conclusion: The results indicated that career decision was a factor that directly affected career preparation behavior, and that career decision-making self-efficacy and career stress directly affected career decision, and, satisfaction with one’s major indirectly affected career decision through career decision-making self-efficacy and career stress.