Mediating effects of self-directed learning on the relationship between critical thinking and problem-solving in student nurses attending online classes: A cross-sectional descriptive study

Background: With the increased prevalence of online education due to the coronavirus 2019 pandemic and advancements in information technology, essential competencies, such as critical thinking, self-directed learning, and problem-solving ability, should be examined among student nurses taking online classes. Objectives: Based on the findings of several studies suggesting that critical thinking does not affect problem-solving, this study aimed to examine the relationship among critical thinking, self-directed learning, and problem-solving in student nurses attending online classes, and to determine whether self-directed learning could mediate the relationship between critical thinking and problem-solving. Design: Cross-sectional, descriptive design. Setting: K University in South Korea. Participants: In total, 138 junior and senior nursing students were enrolled. Methods: The critical thinking disposition scale for nursing students, self-directed learning scale, and problem-solving scale for college students were used to quantify participants' responses. Results: Our results revealed significant positive correlations among critical thinking, self-directed learning, and problem-solving. Furthermore, self-directed learning (β = 0.78, p < 0.001) had a significant mediating effect on the relationship between critical thinking and problem-solving ability (Z = 5.10, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Developing and implementing appropriate self-directed learning programs are critical for improving problem-solving ability affected by critical thinking among student nurses engaged in online education.