Table 3 Mediation model and effects of the PSS and SE on PI (N = 2,457)

Model 1

c (total effect)

Perceived Social Support → Professional Identity

0.479

0.016

 < 0.001

0.446 ~ 0.511

0.258

Model 2

a

Perceived Social Support → Professional Identity

0.281

0.008

 < 0.001

0.264 ~ 0.298

0.302

Model 3

b

Self-Efficacy → Professional Identity

0.467

0.037

 < 0.001

0.393 ~ 0.539

-

c' (direct effect)

Perceived Social Support → Professional Identity

0.348

0.019

 < 0.001

0.310 ~ 0.385

Bootstrap estimate

Indirect effect

Perceived Social Support → Self-Efficacy → Professional Identity

0.131

0.013

 < 0.001

0.105 ~ 0.157