The association of loneliness, mindfulness, and optimism with self-directed learning among nursing students in China: A cross-sectional study

Successful adaption to the increasing demands of the healthcare system involves self-directed learning (SDL) approach, which contributes to professional values and academic and clinical performance. Although many factors are related to SDL, research examining the association between internal factors such as loneliness, mindfulness and optimism with self-directed learning is limited. This study aims to examine the association between loneliness, mindfulness, and optimism with self-directed learning. A cross-sectional design was conducted, and study participants included 568 nursing students from higher education institutes in North, East and South China from May 2020 to October 2020. Data collection instruments included socio-demographics, the self-directed learning scale, the loneliness scale, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and the Life Orientation Test. Hierarchical multiple regression and moderation analyses were used to analyze the data. Findings indicated that loneliness was negatively related to SDL, whereas mindfulness and optimism showed a positive relationship to SDL. Optimism did not significantly moderate the relationship between loneliness and SDL, and between optimism and self-directed learning. The findings suggest that incorporating training programs for reducing loneliness and improving mindfulness and optimism into curricular and extracurricular activities on campuses may help increase SDL. • Loneliness was negatively associated with self-directed learning among nursing students. • Mindfulness and optimism were positively associated with self-directed learning. • Optimism did not moderate the effects of mindfulness and loneliness on self-directed learning.