The role of mothers in supporting adaptation in school: A psychological needs perspective


Article de revue

Contributeurs:

État de publication: publié

Nom de la revue: Journal of Educational Psychology

Volume: 113

Numéro: 1

Intervalle de pages: 197-212

URL: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fedu0000455

Résumé: School is where adolescents spend the largest share of their waking time. The present study focused on the factors that contribute to students’ adjustment to school from a self-determination perspective. We tested the predictive value of parental behaviors (autonomy support, structure, and involvement) on the different dimensions of school adjustment (social, academic, and personal-emotional) and the mediating role played by psychological need satisfaction in school (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness). The sample included 663 adolescents (55% girls) surveyed over a 3-year period. Results supported the unique contribution of parental behaviors and psychological need satisfaction for different dimensions of school adjustment. Indirect effects suggested that the need for relatedness explains the relationship from structure to school adjustment, whereas competence explained the prediction of autonomy support on social adjustment. These findings can guide interventions for students by identifying the family and personal factors that contribute to their academic, social, and personal-emotional adjustment.