Exploring the link of educational environment and self-esteem with critical thinking in undergraduate nursing university students: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES: To assess CT, SE, and perceptions of EE of nursing students in Greece, and explore the potential associations between them. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a Nursing department from February to May 2024. We used the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM), the Critical Thinking Disposition Scale (CTDS), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE) questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 185 nursing students participated. EE was generally positive, with moderate CT disposition and positive self-esteem. Robust regression showed a positive association between EE and CT disposition. Structural equation modeling indicated that SE mediates this association between EE and the Reflective Skepticism sub-scale of CTDS. CONCLUSIONS: Suitable interventions could be implemented to enhance the CT of nursing students through the utilization of SE and EE.