Open Access

ARTICLE

Who I am shapes how I learn: A mixed methods study exploring the role of work identity and psychological needs in learning engagement

Ling Li^1,#, Ninghui Xu^1,#, Wenjing Wang^2,*, Jianfen Ying^1,*

1 Research Studio of Digital Intelligence and Humanities, College of Foreign Languages, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
2 Humanities and Social Sciences Department, Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, Hangzhou, 310058, China

* Corresponding Authors: Wenjing Wang. Email: ; Jianfen Ying. Email:
# These authors are the co-first author

Journal of Psychology in Africa 2025, 35(6), 833-842. https://doi.org/10.32604/jpa.2025.071557

Received 07 August 2025; Accepted 17 November 2025; Issue published 30 December 2025

Abstract

This study explores the role of teachers’ professional identity (TPI) on employee learning engagement (LE), with mediation by basic needs satisfaction (BNS). Participants were 255 Chinese pre-service teachers (191 females = 74.9%, 16 freshmen = 6.2%, 135 sophomores = 52.9%, 35 juniors = 12.5%, 72 seniors = 28.2%). They completed surveys on the “QuestionStar” online survey platform and 12 of the teachers completed interviews for sharing their personal insights. The results of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) indicated that teachers’ professional identity significantly predicted both learning engagement and basic needs satisfaction, with basic needs satisfaction partially mediating the relationship between teachers’ professional identity and learning engagement. A strong professional identity fosters engagement directly and indirectly by satisfying psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Qualitative data revealed that alignment between professional identity and learning experiences enhances motivation, persistence, and reflection, while identity confusion or unmet psychological needs lead to disengagement. These findings highlight the critical role of fostering professional identity development within teacher training curricula to enhance motivational outcomes, learning engagement, and reflective teaching practices in nurturing educational settings.

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Keywords

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