The mediating role of self-directed learning ability in the impact of educational environment, learning motivation, and emotional intelligence on metacognitive awareness in nursing students

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the mechanisms influencing metacognitive awareness among nursing students, encompassing educational environment, learning motivation, emotional intelligence, and self-directed learning ability. These findings could be a theoretical reference for formulating metacognitive awareness intervention strategies specifically designed for nursing students. Method: Through stratified sampling, 600 nursing students were recruited from two universities in China. Data collection involved five self-report instruments: the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory, Medical Education Environment Evaluation Scale, Learning Motivation Scale, Emotional Intelligence Scale, and Self-Directed Learning Ability Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was utilized to test the measurement model, while structural equation modeling utilized multiple indices to assess model fit. Bootstrapping was conducted to analyze total, direct, and indirect effects. Results: All study variables differed significantly according to age and year level (p < 0.01). Metacognitive awareness positively correlated with the educational environment, learning motivation, emotional intelligence, and self-directed learning ability ( r = 0.493-0.729; all p < 0.01). The test of the measurement model shows good reliability and validity. The model depicting factors influencing metacognitive awareness demonstrated a good fit (chi(2)/df = 2.42, SRMR = 0.048, RMSEA = 0.049, CFI = 0.947, IFI = 0.935). Path analyses revealed that educational environment (EE), learning motivation (LM), and emotional intelligence (EI) directly impacted self-directed learning ability (SDLA) ( beta(EE) = 0.189, beta(LM) = 0.436; beta(EI) = 0.215; all p < 0.05). Moreover, educational environment and self-directed learning ability directly influenced metacognitive awareness (beta(EE) = 0.224, beta(SDLA) = 0.520; all p < 0.05). Lastly, the educational environment, learning motivation, and emotional intelligence influenced metacognitive awareness by self-directed learning ability. Conclusion: Metacognitive awareness in nursing students rises with age and year level. Females exhibit more potent self-directed learning abilities than males. Educational environment, motivation, and emotional intelligence indirectly influence metacognitive awareness via self-directed learning ability. This finding has enriched the ways and perspectives of metacognitive awareness training for nursing students.