Supplementary file 1_General self-efficacy, self-confidence, and satisfaction in simulation-based nursing education: a structural equation modeling and mediation analysis.docx

Satisfaction and self-confidence were measured using the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale. General self-efficacy was assessed using the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Multiple linear regression identified factors associated with self-confidence and satisfaction, while structural equation modeling examined the hypothesized associations among latent constructs.

Bootstrap mediation analysis was conducted to evaluate the indirect association between general self-efficacy and satisfaction through self-confidence.</p>Results<p>Our findings showed that general self-efficacy was positively associated with self-confidence (β = 0.715, p < 0.001), and both general self-efficacy (β = 0.249, p = 0.002) and self-confidence (β = 0.650, p < 0.001) were positively associated with satisfaction.

Students reporting a greater number of simulation sessions also demonstrated higher self-confidence (β = 0.352, p = 0.002), whereas academic year was inversely associated with self-confidence (β = −0.233, p = 0.037). Multiple linear regression produced findings consistent with the structural equation model. Mediation analysis showed a significant indirect association between general self-efficacy and satisfaction through simulation-related self-confidence (standardized indirect association = 0.465, p < 0.001), alongside a significant direct association (β = 0.249, p = 0.002).</p>Conclusions<p>General self-efficacy and self-confidence were positively associated with nursing students’ satisfaction with simulation-based learning, with self-confidence demonstrating the strongest association and partially mediating the relationship between self-efficacy and satisfaction.

Our findings highlight the importance of fostering students’ confidence and self-efficacy within simulation-based education. Because of the cross-sectional design, the observed relationships should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects.</p>