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The Mediating Role of Life Satisfaction in the Relationship Between Teachers' Lifelong Learning Tendency and Attitudes Towards Teaching Profession

Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 77, 325 - 334, 30.06.2025
https://doi.org/10.17066/tpdrd.1489106

Abstract

This study investigates whether life satisfaction serves as a mediator in the relationship between the lifelong learning tendencies of teachers and their professional attitudes toward teaching. The sample of the study comprised 361 teachers, and data were collected using instruments measuring tendencies toward lifelong learning, attitudes toward the profession of teaching, and overall life satisfaction. The data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Version 27 and Process Macro 4.1 programs, employing independent-samples t-tests, Pearson’s correlation analyses, and mediation analysis models. There were significant positive relationships among lifelong learning, life satisfaction, and professional attitudes. Female teachers demonstrated a higher tendency toward lifelong learning than male teachers, consistent with previous research suggesting women are more inclined toward self-improvement. However, no significant gender-based differences were observed in life satisfaction, indicating that professional satisfaction may be shaped more by individual experiences than by gender. Furthermore, life satisfaction was identified as a mediator, suggesting that teachers with high lifelong learning tendencies and life satisfaction levels displayed more positive professional attitudes. These results underscored the importance of promoting lifelong learning and the well-being of teachers to enhance job satisfaction and commitment. Educational policymakers are encouraged to develop structured lifelong learning programs and wellness initiatives to support the professional growth of teachers.

References

  • Akgün, E. (2015). The relationship between psychological capital levels and life satisfaction levels of high school teachers [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Sütçü İmam University, Institute of Social Sciences.
  • Alibekiroğlu, P. B., Akbaş, T., Bulut Ateş, F., & Kırdök, O. (2018). The mediating effect of self-compassion on the relationship between life satisfaction and psychological resilience among university students. Journal of the Institute of Social Sciences of Çukurova University, 27(2), 1-17.
  • Appleton, S., & Song, L. (2008). Life satisfaction in urban China: Components and determinants. World Development, 36(11), 2325-2340.
  • Aspin, D. N., & Chapman, J. D. (2000). Lifelong learning: Concepts and conceptions. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 19(1), 2-19.
  • Başbay, M., Ünver, G., & Bümen, N. T. (2009). The attitudes of teacher training students towards the teaching profession: A longitudinal study. Educational Administration: Theory and Practice, 59(59), 345-366. Bilgin, H. (1996). The teaching attitudes of teachers working in pre-school education institutions [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Marmara University, Institute of Social Sciences.
  • Boo, M. C., Yen, S. H., & Lim, H. E. (2016). A note on happiness and life satisfaction in Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Economic Studies, 53(2), 261-277.
  • Bozeman, B., & Feeney, M. K. (2007). Toward a useful theory of mentoring: A conceptual analysis and critique. Administration & Society, 39(6), 719-739.
  • Bozoğlan, B. (2014). Social support and life satisfaction as predictors of conflict. Kastamonu Education Journal, 22(1), 161-175.
  • Candy, P. C. (1994). Lifelong learning and information literacy. Report for the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science and National Forum on Information Literacy.
  • Castilho, P., Carvalho, S. A., Marques, S., & Pinto-Gouveia, J. (2017). Self-compassion and emotional intelligence in adolescence: A multigroup mediational study of the impact of shame memories on depressive symptoms. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26(3), 759-768.
  • Cheng, Y. C., & Ho, D. C. (2001). The influence of job and career attitudes on learning motivation and learning effectiveness. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 71(2), 243-261.
  • Choi, S. B., & Kang, S. W. (2019). A multilevel study of the relationship between job stress, satisfaction, and the performance of high school physical education teachers. Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal, 47(10), 1-10.
  • Çam, E., & Üstün, A. (2016). The relationship between teachers’ professional attitudes and lifelong learning tendencies. Journal of the Institute of Social Sciences of Hitit University, 19(1), 459-476.
  • Çeçen, A. R. (2008). Predicting life satisfaction in university students through sense of coherence, family sense of coherence, and self-esteem. Journal of Theory and Practice in Education, 4(1), 19-30
  • Çınar, İ., & Bilen, K. (2021). The effect of lifelong learning on job satisfaction and professional attitudes among teachers. International Journal of Educational Research, 102(1), 103-115.
  • Creswell, J. W. (2012). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (4th ed.). Pearson
  • Dağlı, A., & Baysal, N. (2016). Adaptation of the Satisfaction with Life Scale into Turkish: Validity and reliability study. Electronic Journal of Social Sciences, 15(59), 1250-1262.
  • Day, C. (2002). School reform and transitions in teacher professionalism and identity. International Journal of Educational Research, 37(8), 677-692.
  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self- determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
  • Demirel, M. (2008). Learning to learn: Key to lifelong learning. 2nd National Symposium on Educational Psychology, Kültür University, March 22-23, Istanbul. Learning and Learning Disorders, 133-145.
  • Demirel, M., & Akkoyunlu, B. (2010). Lifelong learning tendencies and perceptions of information literacy self-efficacy among teacher candidates. 10th International Educational Technology Conference, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Proceeding Book, Volume 2, 1126-1133.
  • Diener, E. (1984). Subjective well-being. Psychological Bulletin, 95, 542-575.
  • Diener, E., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The Satisfaction with Life Scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49(1), 71-75.
  • Dilmaç, B., & Ekşi, H. (2008). Examining life satisfaction and self-esteem among students in vocational colleges. Journal of the Institute of Social Sciences of Selçuk University, 20, 279-289.
  • Dönmez, D., & Baş, T. (2022). Teachers’ commitment to lifelong learning and its impact on professional satisfaction and life satisfaction. Journal of Educational Development, 58(3), 253-269.
  • Gür Erdoğan, D., & Arsal, Z. (2016). The development of lifelong learning trends scale (LLLTS). Sakarya University Journal of Education, 6(1), 114-122.
  • Haybron, D. M. (2004). Happiness and the importance of life satisfaction. University of Arizona, Department of Philosophy.
  • Holinka, C. (2015). Stress, emotional intelligence, and life satisfaction among college students. College Student Journal, 49(2), 300-311.
  • Kahramanoğlu, R., Yokuş, E., Cücük, E., Vural, S., & Şiraz, F. (2018). The validity and reliability study of the Attitude Scale Towards the Teaching Profession. Turkish Studies, Educational Sciences, 13(11), 1669-1686.
  • Karakuş, C. (2013). Lifelong learning competencies among vocational college students. Journal of Research in Education and Teaching, 2(3), 26-35.
  • Knapper, C. K., & Cropley, A. (2000). Lifelong learning in higher education. Kogan Page. Konokman, Y. G., & Yelken, Y. T. (2014). Perceptions of education faculty members about lifelong learning competencies. Hacettepe University Journal of Education, 29, 267-281.
  • Kuyumcu, E., & Kaya, H. İ. (2020). Analysis of teachers' attitudes and opinions towards the teaching profession. e-Kafkas Journal of Educational Research, 7, 333-366.
  • Moksnes, U. K., Lohre, A., Lillefjell, M., Byrne, D. G., & Haugan, G. (2014). The association between school stress, life satisfaction, and depressive symptoms in adolescents: Life satisfaction as a potential mediator. Social Indicators Research, 125(1), 339-357.
  • Nasser-Abu Alhija, F., & Fresko, B. (2016). Mentoring of new teachers as predictors of commitment to the teaching profession. Journal of Teacher Education, 67(2), 153-171.
  • Noe, R. A., & Wilk, S. L. (1993). Investigation of the factors that influence employees' participation in development activities. Journal of Applied Psychology, 78(2), 291-302.
  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2001). On happiness and human potentials: A review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Annual Review of Psychology, 52(1), 141-166.
  • Sarıdemir, T. (2015). The impact of principals' leadership styles and certain personal variables on teachers' life satisfaction: Teachers' perceptions [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Istanbul Aydın University, Istanbul.
  • Seferoğlu, S. S. (2004). Öğretmenlik mesleği ve öğretmen yetiştirmede güncel gelişmeler. In Eğitimde Yansımalar: VIII. 21. Yüzyılda Eğitim Fakülteleri Sempozyumu Bildirileri, 271-289.
  • Şahin, Ç., & Arcagök, S. (2014). Examination of lifelong learning competency levels of teachers in terms of various variables. Journal of Social Sciences of Adıyaman University, 7(16), 394-417.
  • Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S. (2013). Using multivariate statistics (6th ed.). California State University.
  • Tagay, Ö. (2015). Contact disturbances, self-esteem, and life satisfaction among university students: A structural equation modeling study. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 58, 113-132.
  • Topbaşoğlu Altan, T., & Çivitçi, A. (2017). Forgiveness as a moderator in the relationship between anger and life satisfaction. Journal of Social Sciences of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, 9(18), 308-327.
  • Tschannen-Moran, M., & Hoy, A. W. (2001). Teacher efficacy: Capturing an elusive construct. Teaching and Teacher Education, 17(7), 783-805.
  • Uz Baş, A., & Yurdabakan, İ. (2017). The predictive power of resilience and school climate on life satisfaction among middle school students. Journal of Education Faculty of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, 1(41), 202-214.
  • Üstün, A. (2007). Comparative examination of attitudes towards the teaching profession among teacher candidates from different branches. Contemporary Education Journal, 339(32), 20-27.
  • Üstün, E., Erkan, S., & Akman, B. (2004). Attitudes towards the teaching profession among pre-school teaching students in Turkey. Journal of Social Sciences of Manas University, 10, 129-136.
  • Veenhoven, R. (1996). Satisfaction with life in Europe: A comparative study. In W. E. Saris, R. Veenhoven, A. C. Scherpenzeel, & B. Bunting (Eds.), A comparative study of satisfaction with life in Europe (pp. 11-48). Eötvös University Press.
  • Yaman, F. (2014). Investigation of lifelong learning tendencies among teachers (A case study of Diyarbakır) [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Dicle University, Institute of Educational Sciences.
  • Yıkılmaz, M., & Demir Güdül, M. (2015). The relationship between life satisfaction, meaning in life, and mindfulness among university students. Ege Journal of Education, 16(2), 297-315.
  • Yılmaz, B. (2016). Investigation of teachers’ lifelong learning tendencies. Journal of Social Sciences of Mustafa Kemal University, 13(35), 253-262.
  • Zhang, Y., & Zhuang, X. (2020). Lifelong learning and job satisfaction: Insights from the educational sector. Educational Psychology Review, 32(4), 923-937.
  • Zhang, L., & Fu, J. (2021). Life satisfaction as a mediator in the relationship between job satisfaction and professional commitment. International Journal of Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 163, 68-79.
Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 77, 325 - 334, 30.06.2025
https://doi.org/10.17066/tpdrd.1489106

Abstract

References

  • Akgün, E. (2015). The relationship between psychological capital levels and life satisfaction levels of high school teachers [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Sütçü İmam University, Institute of Social Sciences.
  • Alibekiroğlu, P. B., Akbaş, T., Bulut Ateş, F., & Kırdök, O. (2018). The mediating effect of self-compassion on the relationship between life satisfaction and psychological resilience among university students. Journal of the Institute of Social Sciences of Çukurova University, 27(2), 1-17.
  • Appleton, S., & Song, L. (2008). Life satisfaction in urban China: Components and determinants. World Development, 36(11), 2325-2340.
  • Aspin, D. N., & Chapman, J. D. (2000). Lifelong learning: Concepts and conceptions. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 19(1), 2-19.
  • Başbay, M., Ünver, G., & Bümen, N. T. (2009). The attitudes of teacher training students towards the teaching profession: A longitudinal study. Educational Administration: Theory and Practice, 59(59), 345-366. Bilgin, H. (1996). The teaching attitudes of teachers working in pre-school education institutions [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Marmara University, Institute of Social Sciences.
  • Boo, M. C., Yen, S. H., & Lim, H. E. (2016). A note on happiness and life satisfaction in Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Economic Studies, 53(2), 261-277.
  • Bozeman, B., & Feeney, M. K. (2007). Toward a useful theory of mentoring: A conceptual analysis and critique. Administration & Society, 39(6), 719-739.
  • Bozoğlan, B. (2014). Social support and life satisfaction as predictors of conflict. Kastamonu Education Journal, 22(1), 161-175.
  • Candy, P. C. (1994). Lifelong learning and information literacy. Report for the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science and National Forum on Information Literacy.
  • Castilho, P., Carvalho, S. A., Marques, S., & Pinto-Gouveia, J. (2017). Self-compassion and emotional intelligence in adolescence: A multigroup mediational study of the impact of shame memories on depressive symptoms. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26(3), 759-768.
  • Cheng, Y. C., & Ho, D. C. (2001). The influence of job and career attitudes on learning motivation and learning effectiveness. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 71(2), 243-261.
  • Choi, S. B., & Kang, S. W. (2019). A multilevel study of the relationship between job stress, satisfaction, and the performance of high school physical education teachers. Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal, 47(10), 1-10.
  • Çam, E., & Üstün, A. (2016). The relationship between teachers’ professional attitudes and lifelong learning tendencies. Journal of the Institute of Social Sciences of Hitit University, 19(1), 459-476.
  • Çeçen, A. R. (2008). Predicting life satisfaction in university students through sense of coherence, family sense of coherence, and self-esteem. Journal of Theory and Practice in Education, 4(1), 19-30
  • Çınar, İ., & Bilen, K. (2021). The effect of lifelong learning on job satisfaction and professional attitudes among teachers. International Journal of Educational Research, 102(1), 103-115.
  • Creswell, J. W. (2012). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (4th ed.). Pearson
  • Dağlı, A., & Baysal, N. (2016). Adaptation of the Satisfaction with Life Scale into Turkish: Validity and reliability study. Electronic Journal of Social Sciences, 15(59), 1250-1262.
  • Day, C. (2002). School reform and transitions in teacher professionalism and identity. International Journal of Educational Research, 37(8), 677-692.
  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self- determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
  • Demirel, M. (2008). Learning to learn: Key to lifelong learning. 2nd National Symposium on Educational Psychology, Kültür University, March 22-23, Istanbul. Learning and Learning Disorders, 133-145.
  • Demirel, M., & Akkoyunlu, B. (2010). Lifelong learning tendencies and perceptions of information literacy self-efficacy among teacher candidates. 10th International Educational Technology Conference, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Proceeding Book, Volume 2, 1126-1133.
  • Diener, E. (1984). Subjective well-being. Psychological Bulletin, 95, 542-575.
  • Diener, E., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The Satisfaction with Life Scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49(1), 71-75.
  • Dilmaç, B., & Ekşi, H. (2008). Examining life satisfaction and self-esteem among students in vocational colleges. Journal of the Institute of Social Sciences of Selçuk University, 20, 279-289.
  • Dönmez, D., & Baş, T. (2022). Teachers’ commitment to lifelong learning and its impact on professional satisfaction and life satisfaction. Journal of Educational Development, 58(3), 253-269.
  • Gür Erdoğan, D., & Arsal, Z. (2016). The development of lifelong learning trends scale (LLLTS). Sakarya University Journal of Education, 6(1), 114-122.
  • Haybron, D. M. (2004). Happiness and the importance of life satisfaction. University of Arizona, Department of Philosophy.
  • Holinka, C. (2015). Stress, emotional intelligence, and life satisfaction among college students. College Student Journal, 49(2), 300-311.
  • Kahramanoğlu, R., Yokuş, E., Cücük, E., Vural, S., & Şiraz, F. (2018). The validity and reliability study of the Attitude Scale Towards the Teaching Profession. Turkish Studies, Educational Sciences, 13(11), 1669-1686.
  • Karakuş, C. (2013). Lifelong learning competencies among vocational college students. Journal of Research in Education and Teaching, 2(3), 26-35.
  • Knapper, C. K., & Cropley, A. (2000). Lifelong learning in higher education. Kogan Page. Konokman, Y. G., & Yelken, Y. T. (2014). Perceptions of education faculty members about lifelong learning competencies. Hacettepe University Journal of Education, 29, 267-281.
  • Kuyumcu, E., & Kaya, H. İ. (2020). Analysis of teachers' attitudes and opinions towards the teaching profession. e-Kafkas Journal of Educational Research, 7, 333-366.
  • Moksnes, U. K., Lohre, A., Lillefjell, M., Byrne, D. G., & Haugan, G. (2014). The association between school stress, life satisfaction, and depressive symptoms in adolescents: Life satisfaction as a potential mediator. Social Indicators Research, 125(1), 339-357.
  • Nasser-Abu Alhija, F., & Fresko, B. (2016). Mentoring of new teachers as predictors of commitment to the teaching profession. Journal of Teacher Education, 67(2), 153-171.
  • Noe, R. A., & Wilk, S. L. (1993). Investigation of the factors that influence employees' participation in development activities. Journal of Applied Psychology, 78(2), 291-302.
  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2001). On happiness and human potentials: A review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Annual Review of Psychology, 52(1), 141-166.
  • Sarıdemir, T. (2015). The impact of principals' leadership styles and certain personal variables on teachers' life satisfaction: Teachers' perceptions [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Istanbul Aydın University, Istanbul.
  • Seferoğlu, S. S. (2004). Öğretmenlik mesleği ve öğretmen yetiştirmede güncel gelişmeler. In Eğitimde Yansımalar: VIII. 21. Yüzyılda Eğitim Fakülteleri Sempozyumu Bildirileri, 271-289.
  • Şahin, Ç., & Arcagök, S. (2014). Examination of lifelong learning competency levels of teachers in terms of various variables. Journal of Social Sciences of Adıyaman University, 7(16), 394-417.
  • Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S. (2013). Using multivariate statistics (6th ed.). California State University.
  • Tagay, Ö. (2015). Contact disturbances, self-esteem, and life satisfaction among university students: A structural equation modeling study. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 58, 113-132.
  • Topbaşoğlu Altan, T., & Çivitçi, A. (2017). Forgiveness as a moderator in the relationship between anger and life satisfaction. Journal of Social Sciences of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, 9(18), 308-327.
  • Tschannen-Moran, M., & Hoy, A. W. (2001). Teacher efficacy: Capturing an elusive construct. Teaching and Teacher Education, 17(7), 783-805.
  • Uz Baş, A., & Yurdabakan, İ. (2017). The predictive power of resilience and school climate on life satisfaction among middle school students. Journal of Education Faculty of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, 1(41), 202-214.
  • Üstün, A. (2007). Comparative examination of attitudes towards the teaching profession among teacher candidates from different branches. Contemporary Education Journal, 339(32), 20-27.
  • Üstün, E., Erkan, S., & Akman, B. (2004). Attitudes towards the teaching profession among pre-school teaching students in Turkey. Journal of Social Sciences of Manas University, 10, 129-136.
  • Veenhoven, R. (1996). Satisfaction with life in Europe: A comparative study. In W. E. Saris, R. Veenhoven, A. C. Scherpenzeel, & B. Bunting (Eds.), A comparative study of satisfaction with life in Europe (pp. 11-48). Eötvös University Press.
  • Yaman, F. (2014). Investigation of lifelong learning tendencies among teachers (A case study of Diyarbakır) [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Dicle University, Institute of Educational Sciences.
  • Yıkılmaz, M., & Demir Güdül, M. (2015). The relationship between life satisfaction, meaning in life, and mindfulness among university students. Ege Journal of Education, 16(2), 297-315.
  • Yılmaz, B. (2016). Investigation of teachers’ lifelong learning tendencies. Journal of Social Sciences of Mustafa Kemal University, 13(35), 253-262.
  • Zhang, Y., & Zhuang, X. (2020). Lifelong learning and job satisfaction: Insights from the educational sector. Educational Psychology Review, 32(4), 923-937.
  • Zhang, L., & Fu, J. (2021). Life satisfaction as a mediator in the relationship between job satisfaction and professional commitment. International Journal of Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 163, 68-79.
There are 52 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Psychological Counseling Education
Journal Section Makaleler
Authors

Hamdi Korkman 0000-0001-6025-9696

Ahmet Sapancı 0000-0003-4688-6890

Publication Date June 30, 2025
Submission Date May 23, 2024
Acceptance Date November 16, 2024
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 15 Issue: 77

Cite

APA Korkman, H., & Sapancı, A. (2025). The Mediating Role of Life Satisfaction in the Relationship Between Teachers’ Lifelong Learning Tendency and Attitudes Towards Teaching Profession. Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal, 15(77), 325-334. https://doi.org/10.17066/tpdrd.1489106

!! From 30 November 2023, English language proofreading will be required for accepted articles to ensure language quality.