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Educational Quality of the University of the Third Age and Subjective Well-being: Based on a Perspective of Self-determination

Author

Listed:
  • Zhen Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yilin Zhao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Huanlian Du

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Maierwana Adelijiang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jianxin Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Objective Developing education for older adults is considered a major initiative to actively cope with issues of aging issue and improve the quality of later life. The quality of education in later life can affect subjective well-being (SWB) of participants. The current study attempts to examine the association between the quality of education for middle-aged and older adults and SWB and relevant mechanisms in China. Methods Using a nationally representative sample of the University of the Third Age (U3A), this study explored the association between the perceived educational quality of the U3A and SWB, represented by life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect, and depressive symptoms, and examined the mediating roles of satisfaction with basic psychological needs, including autonomy, competence, and relatedness, based on the self-determination perspective. Finally, 21,482 members aged 50 years and older from 30 U3As in 25 provincial-level regions completed validly the survey. Results The perceived quality of education in the U3A predicted members’ SWB; satisfaction with autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs mediated the above associations, simultaneously; compared to competence and relatedness, autonomy showed a stronger mediating effect. Discussion These findings provide a novel perspective for exploring the mechanisms through which lifelong education affects mental health and provide insights for policymakers and governments to actively cope with issues of aging.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhen Zhang & Yilin Zhao & Huanlian Du & Maierwana Adelijiang & Jianxin Zhang, 2024. "Educational Quality of the University of the Third Age and Subjective Well-being: Based on a Perspective of Self-determination," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 19(4), pages 2103-2123, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:19:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s11482-024-10323-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-024-10323-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhen Zhang & Jianxin Zhang, 2015. "Social Participation and Subjective Well-Being Among Retirees in China," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 123(1), pages 143-160, August.
    2. Bibing Dai & Baoshan Zhang & Juan Li, 2013. "Protective Factors for Subjective Well-being in Chinese Older Adults: The Roles of Resources and Activity," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 14(4), pages 1225-1239, August.
    3. Ying Liang & Demi Zhu, 2015. "Subjective Well-Being of Chinese Landless Peasants in Relatively Developed Regions: Measurement Using PANAS and SWLS," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 123(3), pages 817-835, September.
    4. Pildoo Sung & Arthur Chia & Angelique Chan & Rahul Malhotra, 2023. "Reciprocal Relationship Between Lifelong Learning and Volunteering Among Older Adults," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 78(5), pages 902-912.
    5. Xinwen Bai & Chiahuei Wu & Rui Zheng & Xiaopeng Ren, 2011. "The Psychometric Evaluation of the Satisfaction with Life Scale Using a Nationally Representative Sample of China," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 12(2), pages 183-197, April.
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