Latent profile analysis and predictive factors of learned helplessness among nursing students in clinical practice

Existing research on learned helplessness among nursing interns often overlooks group heterogeneity and fails to explore its relationships with the clinical learning environment and self-esteem. A convenience sample of 381 nursing interns completed standardized questionnaires assessing their demographic characteristics, learned helplessness, clinical learning environment, and self-esteem. Latent profile analysis revealed three distinct profiles of learned helplessness among the nursing interns: "Low Helplessness-Low Hopelessness" (n = 127, 33.3%), "High Helplessness-Low Hopelessness" (n = 172, 45.2%), and "High Helplessness-High Hopelessness" (n = 82, 21.5%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that male gender, current pursuit of a bachelor's degree, and working 4-6 night shifts during the past month were significantly associated with the "High Helplessness-Low Hopelessness" profile (OR = 5.113, 8.796, and 3.207, respectively). Holding an associate degree was significantly associated with the "High Helplessness-High Hopelessness" profile (OR = 7.221). Conversely, positive family relationships and fewer night shifts (0-3) during the past month were significantly associated with the "Low Helplessness-Low Hopelessness" profile (OR = 0.071 and 0.253, respectively). Additionally, a positive work atmosphere, individualized teaching, and high self-esteem were significantly associated with low levels of learned helplessness (OR = 0.850, 0.826, and 0.834, respectively; all p values < 0.05). Given the substantial proportion of interns in the "High Helplessness-Low Hopelessness" group, universities and hospitals should develop targeted educational strategies to effectively reduce learned helplessness among nursing interns.