A serial mediation model of Big 5 personality traits, emotional intelligence, and psychological capital as predictors of teachers' professional well-being

Girum Tareke Zewude; Yikunoamlak Mesfin; Fatiha Sadouki; Abate Getahun Ayele; Solomon Goraw; Tesfaye Segon; Mária Hercz

Acta Psychologica (Oct 2024)

A serial mediation model of Big 5 personality traits, emotional intelligence, and psychological capital as predictors of teachers' professional well-being

Girum Tareke Zewude,
Yikunoamlak Mesfin,
Fatiha Sadouki,
Abate Getahun Ayele,
Solomon Goraw,
Tesfaye Segon,
Mária Hercz

Affiliations

Girum Tareke Zewude: Department of Psychology, Wollo University, Dessie 1145, Ethiopia; Corresponding author.
Yikunoamlak Mesfin: Doctoral School of Philosophy, University of Szeged, Szeged 6728, Hungary
Fatiha Sadouki: Doctoral School of Linguistics, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
Abate Getahun Ayele: Department Amhara Region War-Affected Areas Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Fund Office, Bahirdar University, Bahir Dar 79, Ethiopia
Solomon Goraw: School of Law, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
Tesfaye Segon: Department of Psychiatry, Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia
Mária Hercz: Faculty of Primary and Pre-School Education, Eötvös Loránd University, 1126 Budapest, Hungary

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 250
p. 104500

Abstract

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This study aimed to explore the relationship among the Big Five personality traits, emotional intelligence (EIQ), psychological capital (PsyCap), and teacher well-being (TPWB) within the context of higher education. The objective was to predict TPWB in university teachers by utilizing the Big Five personality traits and PsyCap while considering EI as a mediator. Data were collected from 708 teachers in Ethiopian higher education institutions. Participants completed the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS-16), Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI-10), Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-12), and Teacher Professional Well-Being Scale (TPWBS). The analysis included reliability tests, correlation analysis, validity assessment, measurement invariance, and serial mediation testing. The findings unveil a significant direct positive effect of Big Five personality traits on EIQ, PsyCap, and TPWB. Furthermore, PsyCap demonstrates a direct positive effect on TPWB. PsyCap fully mediates the relationship between the Big Five personality traits, EIQ, and TPWB, while EIQ partially mediates the relationships between the Big Five personality traits and PsyCap/TPWB, accentuating a serial mediation effect. Moreover, the personality trait of openness to experience positively predicts EIQ, PsyCap, and TPWB. Conscientiousness and agreeableness also positively predict EIQ, while extraversion directly influences PsyCap in a positive manner. However, neuroticism exerts a negative direct impact on EIQ, PsyCap, and TPWB. Additionally, emotional intelligence partially mediates the relationship between the five dimensions of the Big Five personality (openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) and TPWB. In conclusion, PsyCap fully mediates the relationship between the Big Five personality traits, EIQ, and TPWB, while EIQ partially mediates the relationships between the Big Five personality traits and PsyCap/TPWB. These findings hold significant implications for enhancing well-being among teachers.

Published in Acta Psychologica

ISSN: 0001-6918 (Print); 1873-6297 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Philosophy. Psychology. Religion: Psychology
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/acta-psychologica

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