Sustainable Growth of Learner Engagement and Well‐Being Through Social (Teacher and Peer) Support: The Mediator Role of Self‐Efficacy

Abstract

The facilitation of learners' achievement may be enhanced by considering the role of different constructs of positive psychology (PP) such as well‐being and engagement. Besides, there is a widespread belief that self‐efficacy has become an important psychological construct that can affect learners' academic performance. Additionally, the interpersonal connections that learners have with their teachers and peers within the educational setting play a pivotal role in their intellectual development. Several studies have confirmed that both peers and teachers have a significant role in shaping the academic performance of learners. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of empirical research examining the potential relationship between peer and teacher support and its impact on learner engagement (LE), and well‐being with the mediator role of self‐efficacy. Therefore, this research was designed to examine it among 640 students in China. The package of five questionnaires, namely the teacher and peer support, LE, well‐being, and self‐efficacy was administered to collect the data. The results obtained from the structural equation model (SEM) indicated that students who receive higher levels of support from their educators and classmates were engaged more and had high well‐being. Moreover, regression analysis indicated that social (teacher and peer) support was a predictor of both well‐being (β = 0.436, p < 0.01) and engagement (β = 0.666, p < 0.01). Furthermore, social (teacher and peer) support was a strong predictor of efficacy (β = 0.768, p < 0.01). Indeed, self‐efficacy could predict both well‐being (β = 0.446, p < 0.01) and engagement (β = 0.183, p < 0.01). As a result, some suggestions are recommended for teachers, students, teacher educators and other members of the academic community.