Basic Psychological Needs, Class-related Emotions and Satisfaction with Life in Spanish Teachers

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine possible antecedents and consequences of teachers’ emotions in the classroom. Based on a cognitive-social perspective and self-determination theory, we examined the relationship between basic psychological needs (BPNs), teachers’ class-related emotions and teachers’ life satisfaction. A sample of 595 teachers from Andalusia (Spain) participated in an online survey. A structural equation model was tested, in which BPNs predicted teachers’ emotions (β = .69; p < .001 positive emotions and β = -.42; p < .001 negative emotions). In addition, BPNs (β = .36; p < .001) and positive emotions (β = .23; p < .001) predicted satisfaction with life. The results show that the fulfilment of work-related BPNs is important to generate positive emotions and well-being in teachers. In addition, the study is the first to provide extensive details on the psychometric properties for assessing teacher emotions with the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire - Teachers (AEQ-T) in a Spanish sample.