The role of transfer motivation and self-efficacy on student satisfaction during early clinical experiences in South Korea: a cross-sectional study
- Author:
In-Kyung SONG
1
;
Hwa-Young JANG
;
Su Jin CHAE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Research
- From:Korean Journal of Medical Education 2025;37(1):13-21
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study aimed to identify the factors influencing premedical students’ satisfaction with early clinical experience and determine the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between learning motivation and satisfaction.
Methods:This cross-sectional study included 35 second-year premedical students who completed the early clinical experience course and responded to course evaluation questionnaires on self-efficacy, transfer motivation, and student satisfaction. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, Baron and Kenny’s hierarchical multiple regression analyses, and the Sobel test.
Results:Student satisfaction was significantly correlated with self-efficacy (r=0.724, p<0.01) and transfer motivation (r=0.538, p<0.01). Self-efficacy and transfer motivation were also highly correlated (r=0.789, p<0.01). Multiple regression analyses and Sobel test indicated that self-efficacy fully mediated the relationship between student satisfaction and transfer motivation (Z=2.704, p<0.01).
Conclusion:In this study, early clinical experience program increased premedical students’ self-efficacy and transfer motivation for clinical knowledge and confirmed that self-efficacy mediated student satisfaction. These findings demonstrate the positive effects of early clinical experience on the medical school curriculum and suggest the need for educational strategies to increase self-efficacy in learning.
