Correlation of general self-efficacy and professional identification among undergraduate nursing students

Objective To explore the correlation between general self-efficacy and professional identification among undergraduate nursing students.Methods A total of 650 undergraduate nursing students were investigated with General Self-efficacy Scale and the Professional Identification Questionnaire.Results The score of general self-efficacy in the male and female students was 2.69±0.46 and 2.51±0.44 respectively,and the difference was significant(P0.05).The score of professional identific-ation in the male and female students was 78.20±10.06 and 82.48±9.10 respectively,and the difference was significant(P0.05).There were significant differences in the scores of professional identification among different grades(P0.05).The students' general self-efficacy was positively correlated with professional identification and the subscale of professional affection,professional volition and professional skills(P0.05 or P0.01).Conclusions Undergraduate nursing students' professional identification is significantly influenced by their general self-efficacy.Nursing educators should take some measures to increase undergraduate nursing students' general self-efficacy and strengthen the professional identification in male students.