When you Want More than Mere Survival: Factors of Student Vitality in the Study Context

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the predictive effect of selected study environment factors on the satisfaction of students’ basic needs and subjective vitality. Due to its links with motivation and well-being indicators, subjective vitality is an essential phenomenon among students. Previous studies reveal the importance of basic psychological needs for vitality. Still, from a practical point of view, it is crucial to indicate specific factors that help students to satisfy these needs. Students spend most of their time in the environment of a higher education institution, within its community; therefore, it is natural that the social study environment can strongly determine their well-being.
One hundred and seventy-five adult students participated in the study. The participants completed a questionnaire of scales assessing subjective vitality, satisfaction of basic needs, and 4 study environment factors, specifically, autonomy-supportive learning climate, opportunities for development, feedback, and a sense of belonging. Multiple linear regression and mediation analyses were used for data processing.
The results have revealed that all the selected study environment factors were associated with higher subjective vitality, whereas the strongest predictor of vitality was the sense of belonging. Mediation analysis showed that basic psychological needs explain the effect of the study environment factors on vitality.
The results have revealed the importance of the study environment in the extent to which students feel alive and provided practical insights on the ways how to strengthen student vitality.