Work

Influence of the effort-reward imbalance in college students on learning engagement: the mediating role of hope and the moderating role of growth mindset

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between effort-reward imbalance and learning engagement among college students, as well as the mediating role of hope and the moderating role of a growth mindset. Method: A total of 665 college students participated in this study. The Effort-Reward Imbalance Scale, Hope Scale, Growth Mindset Scale, and Learning Engagement Scale were used. Results: (1) Effort-reward imbalance was significantly correlated with hope, learning engagement, and a growth mindset among college students; (2) effort-reward imbalance negatively predicted learning engagement among college students; (3) hope mediated the relationship between effort-reward imbalance and learning engagement; and (4) a growth mindset moderated the relationship between hope and learning engagement. Specifically, a stronger growth mindset mitigated the adverse effects of low hope on learning engagement among college students. Conclusion: Effort-reward imbalance influences learning engagement through the mediating role of hope and the moderating role of growth mindset. This implies that fostering a growth mindset among college students can mitigate the negative effects effort-reward imbalance and low hope on their learning engagement.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1650064

Authors: Haixia Zhang, Qiangqiang Wang, Xinyi Xu, Shengmin Liu

Institutions: Tianshui Normal University, Huzhou Normal University, Soochow University

Language: English

Topic: Optimism, Hope, and Well-being

Subfield: Applied Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801