Work

Understanding ChatGPT adoption in higher education: An affective-cognitive dual-pathway model

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study develops and tests a dual-pathway model of ChatGPT adoption in higher education, in which positive emotions support adoption through perceived capabilities, performance expectancy and satisfaction, while negative emotions constrain it through ethical concerns. The analysis reuses secondary data from a global survey of higher education students, collected through non-probability convenience sampling with voluntary participation. After applying the eligibility criteria, the final sample comprises 11,451 ChatGPT users from 90 countries. Covariance-based structural equation modelling and multigroup analysis were used. The two pathways are strongly asymmetric. The total indirect effect of positive emotions on intention was 4.5 times larger than that of negative emotions, and performance expectancy was the dominant predictor of intention. Ethical concerns reduced intention significantly but negligibly. Four of the ten paths differed by usage intensity. The study integrates affective and cognitive explanations of adoption within one framework and supports emotionally informed strategies for AI integration.

Source: Industry and Higher Education

DOI: 10.1177/09504222261498352

Authors: Cláudia Sofia Borges Pinho, João M. Lopes

Institutions: University of Beira Interior, Universidade Lusófona do Porto, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Universidade Lusófona

Language: English

Topic: Technology Adoption and User Behaviour

Subfield: Information Systems and Management

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650