The mediating effect of critical thinking between interest in learning and caring among nursing students: a cross-sectional study

Previous studies have explored the influence of interest in learning on caring and critical thinking, as well as the relationship between caring and critical thinking. However, the mediating effect of critical thinking in interest learning and caring among nursing students has not been clarified. Nursing students who enrolled for the 2021/2022 academic year in diploma, undergraduate, or graduate programs in five provinces of China (Guangdong, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Hunan and Macao). An online survey with a convenience sampling method was employed to collect data. The questionnaires were administered to 692 participants between January 20 and 26, 2022. Amos 26.0 was employed to establish the structural equation modelling and analyze the mediating effect of critical thinking on interest in learning and caring. The first regression equation showed that interest in learning significantly influenced caring (β = 0.339, p