RESUMEN
PURPOSE: The study was done to examine whether consciousness of calling and life satisfaction have a mediating effect in the relationship between nursing students' purpose of life and their quality of life. METHODS: The participants were 171 nursing students studying in two colleges of nursing located in Chungcheong and Gyeonggi Province. Measurements included the purpose in life questionnaire, Korea-version WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, brief calling scale and satisfaction with life scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and multiple regression techniques with SPSS 24.0. Mediation analysis was performed according to the Baron and Kenny method and Sobel test. RESULTS: There were significant correlations among purpose in life, consciousness of calling, satisfaction with life and quality of life. Consciousness of calling and satisfaction with life showed perfect mediating effects in the relationship between purpose in life and quality of life. CONCLUSION: In this study, nursing students' purpose in life had significant influences on nursing students' quality of life via calling consciousness and satisfaction with life. Therefore, to enhance quality of life for nursing students, it is necessary to build effective strategies and education programs to enhance nursing students' purpose in life, consciousness of calling and satisfaction with life.