Further validation of the Role Strain Scale for Male Nursing Students in Taiwan

Aim To conduct a confirmatory psychometric evaluation of the Role Strain Scale for Male Nursing Students (RSS-MNS), examining its factor structure, reliability, and convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity. Background Role strain among male nursing students may hinder recruitment and retention. Existing measures often lack confirmatory validation and omit key contextual stressors. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from August 2024 to March 2025 using convenience and snowball sampling of 250 male nursing students in Taiwan. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test a correlated four-factor model. Reliability (Cronbach's α), convergent validity (standardized loadings, composite reliability, average variance extracted), discriminant validity (inter-factor correlations and collinearity diagnostics), and concurrent validity were examined. Results The four-factor model demonstrated acceptable fit and broadly consistent item-factor relations. Reliability and convergent validity were satisfactory for the Medical Personnel, Patient, and Classmate and Teacher domains but weakest for the Family and Friend domain. Discriminant validity was partially supported. Higher Family and Friend, Classmate and Teacher, and Medical Personnel Role Strain scores were modestly and significantly associated with lower intention to enter the nursing workforce, whereas Patient Role Strain was not significantly related. Conclusions The RSS-MNS showed an acceptable four-factor structure and modest concurrent associations with career-entry intention. The Family and Friend Role Strain subscale showed comparatively weaker performance, and evidence for discriminant validity was partial; therefore, this subscale should be prioritized for further refinement. Overall, the scale demonstrates practical utility for screening and monitoring role strain among male nursing students to inform timely support or referral.