The mediating effect of belongingness on the relationship between perceived stress and clinical learning environment and supervision among nursing internship students

Abstract

Background Belongingness is considered an important factor contributing to a clinical learning environment for good learning outcomes and higher levels of satisfaction among nursing students. This study investigated the mediating influence of a sense of belonging on the relationship between the clinical learning environment and perceived stress.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 455 internship nursing students from August to November 2023. Data were collected using the Belongingness Scale-Clinical Placement Experience, Perceived Stress Scale, Clinical Learning Environment Scale, and Supervision Scale.

Results The mean of nursing internship students’ belongingness was 121.27 ± 14.95. The majority of participants had moderate stress levels (83.3%). The direct effects analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between the clinical learning environment, supervision, and perceived stress (β = − 0.484, p < .001). Clinical learning environment and supervision had a positive direct effect on belongingness (β = 0.499, p < .001). Belongingness had a negative effect on perceived stress (β = − 0.163, p = .003). According to further indirect effect analysis (β = − 0.081, p = .003), the association between the clinical learning environment and supervision-perceived stress was mediated by belongingness. Overall, the results showed that felt stress was considerably affected by the clinical learning setting and supervision (β = − 0.565, p < .001).

Conclusion A sense of belonging is a critical factor for alleviating the impact of an overwhelming environment. These findings emphasize the need to provide a positive environment that promotes the health of internship nursing students.