Harnessing Psychological Capital: Exploring Its Role in Connecting EFL Students’ Major Satisfaction with Their Engagement in English Learning

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Instructor of the Department of English Language Teaching, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, English Department, ZAH. C., Islamic Azad University, Zahedan, Iran.

3 BA., English Department, ZAH. C., Islamic Azad University, Zahedan, Iran

Abstract

Student engagement in academic learning is vital for academic success, particularly in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning, where motivation and psychological resources are crucial. This study examined how major satisfaction influences English learning engagement, directly and through the mediating role of psychological capital (PsyCap). Data were collected from 238 Iranian EFL university students using a quantitative design, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for analysis. Results showed that major satisfaction significantly predicted engagement both directly (β = 0.38, 95% CI [0.33–0.43]) and indirectly via PsyCap (β = 0.42, 95% CI [0.37–0.48]), with a total effect of β = 0.72 (95% CI [0.67–0.77]). These findings suggest that students who are satisfied with their academic major are more likely to build psychological resources such as self-efficacy, optimism, and resilience, which enhance learning engagement. The study highlights the importance of academic satisfaction and PsyCap development in promoting sustained EFL learning.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Linguistic Studies: Theory and Practice

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 September 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 30 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 16 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 17 September 2025

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