Teacher autonomy support in physical education and school engagement among vulnerable children: A sequential mediation model

Xi Cui, Jinfu Wang^*
School of Physical Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
* Correspondence: Jinfu Wang, 202320142029@mail.scut.edu.cn

Journal of Psychology in Africa https://doi.org/10.32604/jpa.2026.084759

Received 28 April 2026; Accepted 13 July 2026; Published online 13 August 2026

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Abstract

Physical education engagement is essential for children’s healthy development, yet vulnerable populations are often overlooked in motivational research. This study examined the extent to which teacher autonomy support predicts student engagement through basic psychological need satisfaction and autonomous motivation. Four hundred ninety-eight children with parenting separation vulnerability completed validated scales measuring teacher autonomy support, basic psychological need satisfaction, autonomous motivation, and engagement in physical education (females = 69.5%, mean age = 13.18 years, SD = 0.84). Results from sequential mediation model analysis showed that teacher autonomy support is associated with higher student engagement. Need satisfaction, and autonomous motivation mediated the direct effect, with need satisfaction being the stronger mediator. The sequential mediation effect on the relationship between teacher autonomy support and student engagement via both need satisfaction and autonomous motivation was comparatively modest. These ﬁndings are consistent with self-determination theory, which posits that autonomy-supportive contexts ﬁrst satisfy basic psychological needs, which in turn facilitate autonomous motivation, and this motivational sequence ultimately promotes greater engagement. By implication, teacher autonomy support is a student development asset for their higher engagement directly and indirectly. Autonomy-supportive teaching and fostering psychological needs and autonomous motivation may enhance the school engagement of children with vulnerability.