Abstract
Aim: The aims of this study were 1) to understand the perceived barriers to conducting research experienced by young Japanese nursing researchers, 2) to understand the support expected from the Japan Academy of Nursing Science, and 3) to examine factors associated with the barriers and support.
Method: We conducted a web-based survey targeting members of the Japan Academy of Nursing Science younger than 40 years old. We conducted multiple regression analyses predicting scores on subscales of questionnaires assessing perceived barriers and expected support.
Results: 648 young nursing researchers were analyzed. Regarding analyses on perceived barriers, “Difficulty in work–life balance” was related to positively raising children (β=0.36). “Workload of education and management” was negatively related to being assistant professor or research/education associate (β=0.31). Regarding expected support, “Improvement of environment/system for research activity” was negatively related to some subscales of perceived barriers including “Lack of research competency,” “Lack of research resources,” “Non-establishment of identity as researcher,” and “Workload of education and management” (β=0.15–0.20).
Conclusion: Young Japanese researcher had various perceived barriers and expected supports according to their own situation. Japan Academy of Nursing Science should develop strategies 1) to encourage networking among researcher, 2) to nurture young nursing scholars’ growth in research competency, 3) to improve the research environment.
