ABSTRACT Aim Although occupational stigma among nursing students has significant implications for workforce development, limited research has focused on students at different career decision‐making stages. This study aimed to investigate the current status of occupational stigma among preclinical nursing students in China and examine its relationships with professional affect and social distance, in order to promote professional identity and support the stability of the nursing workforce. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in November 2024 among 522 Chinese preclinical nursing students using the Occupational Stigma Consciousness Scale, the Professional Affect Subscale, and the Social Distance Scale. Results Participants reported a moderately high level of occupational stigma consciousness. No statistically significant differences in occupational stigma consciousness were found across gender or academic year. Social distance was found to directly exert a negative predictive effect on occupational stigma consciousness, and it also indirectly influenced occupational stigma consciousness through professional affect. Conclusion Professional affect partially mediates the relationship between social distance and occupational stigma consciousness among Chinese preclinical nursing students. Patient or Public Contribution The study participants were recruited after being informed about the study and providing their consent.
Hu et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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