title: Autonomy support environment and autonomous motivation on nursing student academic performance: An exploratory analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the U.S., enrollment and graduation rates of baccalaureate nursing programs are slowly increasing. Rigorous program requirements can be overwhelming for students who may have difficulty adjusting to curriculum demands. Faculty who help students to adjust may also build a supportive learning environment that promotes autonomous motivation, improves engagement, and strengthens academic performance. Students may also experience well-being and autonomy when they feel supported and when their needs are met.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate nursing students' autonomy support environments and autonomous motivation (measured as spirituality), and the influence on engagement and academic performance.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional correlational design using a convenience sample of 150 nursing students in the last year of a baccalaureate nursing program was used. Participants were recruited from four universities in Florida and data collection occurred over three months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All participants were enrolled in the last year of their baccalaureate nursing program with an average Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.36. The learning climate alone was moderately supportive of student motivation (M=70.60, SD=18.99). No significant relationship between the autonomy support environment and autonomous motivation (r=.034, p=.676) was found. Correlations and regression analysis of autonomous motivation and work engagement were significant (F (2, 147)=28.28, p=.000). Comparison of participant groups from each university independently revealed supportive learning environments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Strategies to promote autonomy must be developed and implemented as a means of ensuring a favorable learning environment. Future research may include the investigation of spirituality and autonomous motivation as two separate variables.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, United States. Electronic address: sevilla.bronson@famu.edu.
authors.forename: Sevilla
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bronson
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support; D029181:Spirituality; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Academic performance; Autonomous motivation; Autonomy support; Nursing students; Self-determination; Spirituality