The mediating role of psychological well-being in the relationship between the psychological contract and professional engagement

Abstract

This study was conducted using structural equation modelling to examine the relationship between the psychological contract, psychological well-being, and professional engagement. The sample of the study included 416 teachers who were selected using a disproportionate cluster sampling method from primary and middle schools in Turkey. In analysing relations between variables, mediation testing was performed using the structural equation model and the bootstrap method. The results of this study showed that professional engagement is both directly and indirectly affected via psychological well-being by the psychological contract. How teachers perceive the psychological contract is an important variable that shapes their psychological well-being and professional engagement. Accordingly, school administrations should meet these teacher expectations and display attitudes and behaviours that encourage teachers to take active roles in school-related decisions, thereby further increasing the professional engagement of their teachers.