The Relationship Between School Culture and Students' Academic Well-Being Through the Mediating Role of the Satisfaction of the Basic Psychological Needs: A Correlational Study

Abstract

Background and Aims

Since adolescents spend the majority of their daily time at school, understanding the impact of school culture on their experiences seems to be crucial, as it shapes their educational environment and well-being. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the relationship between school culture and academic well-being (AWB) through the mediating role of the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs (SBPN) in students.

Methods

It was a correlational study. The statistical population of the study included all high school students in Kermanshah, Iran in the academic year 2020–2021, among whom 522 students were selected using cluster sampling to be a research sample. The research tools included Academic Well-Being, school culture and basic psychological needs questionnaires.

Results

The structural equations modeling was used in LISREL 8.8 software to analyze the data. The results of data analysis confirmed the appropriate fit of the overall model in sample of the study (X²/df = 2.77, GFI = 0.92, IFI = 0.90, CFI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.06). There was a significant relationship between students' relations and their AWB through SBPN, and also between educational opportunities and AWB through SBPN.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, interventions should focus on fostering a supportive school culture that enhances SBPN in students. This approach may improve students' academic well-being and overall educational experiences.