Abstract
PURPOSE: To examine the influence of learning adjustment dimensions (motivation, attitude, ability, teaching pattern, and environment) on depressive symptoms in Chinese nursing freshmen, and the mediating role of psychological capital. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 471 nursing freshmen at a university in May 2024. The anonymous self-reported questionnaire included the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Learning Adjustment Questionnaire, and the Psychological Capital Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25.0 and PROCESS v4.1 macro, including correlation and mediation analysis. RESULTS: Learning adjustment had a significant direct effect on depressive symptoms among nursing freshmen (β = -0.565, p <0.001), and psychological capital partially mediated this relationship (β= -0.156, 95% Boot CI [-0.107, -0.135]), suggesting psychological capital explains part of the link between poor learning adjustment and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: More attention should be paid to the mental health issues of freshmen. Addressing learning adjustment issues and fostering psychological capital among nursing freshmen may alleviate depressive symptoms, which will require relevant educational interventions and mental health support from university educators and counselors.