The Mediating Effect of Learning Attitude in the Relationship between Peer Attachment and Life Satisfaction in Korean Upper Elementary School Students

Abstract

Objectives: This study is a cross-sectional study that analyzes data from a self-report online survey conducted on Korean upper elementary school students, and aims to identify the mediating effect of learning attitude in the relationship between peer attachment and life satisfaction. Methods: In this study, the 13th panel study on Korean children data collected from July to December 2020, organized by the Korea Institute of Child Care and Education, was used. The variables used were peer attachment, life satisfaction, and learning attitude. In this study, mean, standard deviation, frequency analysis and descriptive statistics were conducted for major variables using the SPSS 26.0 program, and AMOS 22.0 was also used to determine the fit between the measurement model and the structural model. Results: As a result of this study, the path from peer attachment to learning attitude (β = 0.532, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and the path from learning attitude to life satisfaction (β = 0.146, <i>p</i> < 0.001) were statistically significant. In addition, it was found that learning attitude had a partial mediating effect in the relationship between peer attachment and life satisfaction. Conclusions: This study can provide basic data for the development of programs or counseling that can contribute to upper elementary school students’ positive school life and their adaptation to school in the future.