Behavioral Engagement, Mental Health and Well-Being, and Semester GPA

• In Event: Examining and Increasing Student Engagement

Abstract

Building on previous research that demonstrates the interweave of mental health and self- regulated learning (SRL), this study addresses how behavioural engagement mediates the relationship between mental health (emotional well-being) and academic success (GPA). Gender was also examined as a moderator of this relationship. Participants were 228 students (52.6% female) who participated in a learning to learn course. Findings from structural equation models showed that greater behavioural engagement predicted higher GPA for both males and females. However, greater levels of emotional well-being predicted greater behavioual engagement for female students but not for male students. Similarly for females, behavioural engagement mediated the relationship between emotional well-being and GPA. Implications suggest attending to internal conditions that influence SRL processes including mental health education.

Authors

• Meg Kapil, University of Victoria

• Ramin Rostampour, University of Victoria

• Stuart MacDonald, University of Victoria

• Allyson F. Hadwin, University of Victoria