A Systematic Review Investigating the Impact of Academic Advising on Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Self-Determination

Abstract

Academic advising is a vital component of higher education, promoting student engagement, success, and the attainment of learning outcomes. While its positive impact on academic performance, retention, and student development is well documented, limited research explores its influence on nursing students' self-determination. This systematic literature review (SLR) applies Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to examine the historical context and key factors contributing to effective academic advising in nursing education. Using a transparent and replicable SLR process, 20 empirical studies were analyzed from databases such as PsycINFO, ERIC, and Academic Search Complete. Of these, 8 were highly referenced, 7 were moderately referenced, and 5 were lowly referenced based on methodological rigor. SDT therefore offers a compelling lens through which to understand how autonomy-supportive advising practices in nursing education promote motivation and persistence by supporting decision making in complex clinical pathways, reinforcing self-efficacy through academic skills-based feedback, and building a supportive advisor-student relationship. The following themes emerged from SLR: autonomy support, competency development, and relational engagement and support. Search process was limited to indexed journals available through the authors’ university library system that were peer-reviewed and published articles written in the English language between 2005 and 2025. Future reviews should consider expanding inclusion criteria to incorporate non-English and gray literature sources to achieve a more comprehensive and globally representative understanding of advising practices in nursing education, which involve the high-pressure nature of clinical training.

Keywords: Systematic literature review, academic advising, undergraduate nursing students, self-determination

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/17-5-10

Publication date: May 30^th 2026