The antecedents and outcomes of teachers' autonomy satisfaction: A meta‐analytic investigation

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Authors: Ying Chen, Jian‐Bin Li, Hongbiao Yin, Hui Wang
Cited by: 1
References: 129

Abstract

According to the self-determination theory, autonomy is a fundamental psychosocial need of individuals, and its fulfilment can lead to positive teacher outcomes, including increased motivation, well-being, and instructional effectiveness. Recent research has indicated that factors such as job demands, job resources, and personal resources are associated with teachers' autonomy satisfaction. This review aims to adopt a meta-analytic approach to exploring the relationships between teachers' job and personal characteristics (job demands, job resources, and personal resources), autonomy satisfaction, and teacher outcomes (work motivation, occupational well-being, and instructional effectiveness) using the random-effects model. A total of 82 studies were analyzed in this review. The results demonstrated that lower job demands, higher job resources, and greater personal resources are linked to increased autonomy satisfaction among teachers, subsequently enhancing their work motivation, occupational well-being, and instructional effectiveness. Moreover, the study also revealed that factors, including theoretical frameworks and publication types, can significantly influence the relationships between teachers' autonomy satisfaction and its antecedents and outcomes.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports Technology-Enhanced Education Studies Teacher Professional Development and Motivation

Publication details

Journal / source
Applied Psychology Health and Well-Being
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
18
Issue
1
Pages
e70109–e70109
Publication date
16 January 2026
Language
EN