Development of A Model to Improve Male Nursing Students' Self-Leadership at Medical Universities in Guangxi Province, China

Background and Aims: Self-leadership was vital for the success of male nursing students, empowering them with confidence and the skills needed to excel in a traditionally male-dominated field. The objective of this study was to construct a self-leadership model to foster the development of self-leadership among male nursing students in Guangxi Province, China. Methodology: Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that integrated quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, the study involved 308 male nursing students from three representative medical universities. Results: The research revealed that the mean levels of self-leadership and self-determination among male nursing students were moderate. Seven core self-leadership strategies were identified through a systematic literature review and content analysis: Goal Setting, Self-awareness, Time Management, Growth Mindset, Effective Communication, Learned Resourcefulness, and Collaboration. A significant regression equation was found F (7, 297) = 36.71, p<.000), with an R2 of .396. The seven self-leadership strategies were significant predictors of self-leadership, and approximately 36.71% of the variation in self-leadership can be explained by participation in the seven self-leadership strategies. An analysis of Beta scores showed the following significance levels: Goal Setting (β = .502, p<.05), Self-awareness (β = .174, p<.05), Learned Resourcefulness (β = .170, p<.05, Effective Communication (β = .097, p<.05),) Growth Mindset ( β = .056, p<.05), Time Management (β = .043, p<.05), and Collaboration (β = .036, p<.05).Qualitative data from interviews with nursing faculty members contributed to the identification of twelve activities that could potentially strengthen self-leadership and self-determination in male nursing students. These activities were incorporated into developing a theoretical model delineating the interplay between self-leadership strategies and self-determination. Experts validated the final model using the focus group method. Conclusion: According to the study, male nursing students demonstrate moderate levels of self-leadership and self-determination. Goal-setting, self-awareness, learned resourcefulness, effective communication, growth mindset, time management, and collaboration are significant predictors of this behavior. A theoretical model highlighting twelve activities to improve male nursing students' self-leadership and self-determination was developed through additional qualitative analysis, and focus group methodology was used to validate the model by experts.