Validating the Japanese Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale for Nursing Education

Background: The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale for Nursing Education (SDLRSNE) assesses the extent to which an individual has the characteristics, capabilities, and attitudes required for self-directed learning. This study aimed to validate the Japanese version of the SDLRSNE with graduate-level nursing students.

Method: Confirmatory factor analyses, using data from a cross-sectional online survey of 376 nursing students, were conducted to examine construct validity. Relationships with potential related factors were analyzed to evaluate construct validity. Reliability was evaluated with item analysis and Cronbach's alpha.

Results: Factor analyses revealed that three-factor and individual subscale models had a moderate-to-poor fit. No meaningful relationship with potential related factors was noted. Reliability measurements indicated a moderate fit to data.

Conclusion: This study could not confirm that the Japanese version of the SDLRSNE had acceptable levels of reliability and validity when tested with graduate-level nursing students. Further research is needed to examine the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the SDLRSNE with other adult nursing learners or with graduate-level nursing students in other countries.