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The influence of student characteristics and interpersonal teacher behaviour in the classroom on student’s wellbeing

Social Indicators Research volume 85, pages 279–291 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Student wellbeing can be considered a major output indicator of quality of education. A positive classroom climate can contribute to a higher sense of wellbeing. Interpersonal relationships between teachers and students are an important aspect of the classroom climate. This study investigated how student wellbeing was predicted by student characteristics, interpersonal teacher behaviour and achievement. 594 students from 55 classes in 13 technical and vocational secondary schools were involved in this study. The results indicated that those students who attended school because they were highly motivated learners reported a higher sense of wellbeing than those who attended out of a sense of duty. It also appeared that student perception of interpersonal teacher behaviour predicted student wellbeing. As a case in point, when students viewed their language teacher as tolerant yet exacting discipline, a positive relationship was found with student wellbeing. Students also felt better when their mathematics teachers were less authoritarian, but the cooperative component was still important.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Educational Sciences, Ghent University, H. Dunantlaan 2, Gent, 9000, Belgium

    Karen Van Petegem, Antonia Aelterman, Hilde Van Keer & Yves Rosseel

Authors
  1. Karen Van Petegem
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  2. Antonia Aelterman
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  3. Hilde Van Keer
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  4. Yves Rosseel
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Correspondence to Karen Van Petegem.

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Van Petegem, K., Aelterman, A., Van Keer, H. et al. The influence of student characteristics and interpersonal teacher behaviour in the classroom on student’s wellbeing. Soc Indic Res 85, 279–291 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9093-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9093-7

Keywords

  • Student wellbeing
  • Classroom climate
  • Interpersonal teacher behaviour
  • Multilevel analysis
  • Achievement