K-12 students’ basic psychological needs satisfaction in online learning: perceived level, group difference, and its influence

Citation

Bai, X. & Guo, R. (2026). K-12 students’ basic psychological needs satisfaction in online learning: perceived level, group difference, and its influence. Front. Psychol. 17. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1561201

Abstract

Background: In the post-pandemic educational landscape, online learning has become increasingly embedded in K-12 education. Self-determination theory claims that satisfying basic psychological needs is critical in student learning. Despite numerous empirical researches on basic psychological needs, there remains limited understanding of K-12 students’ perceived level, group differences of basic psychological needs satisfaction in online learning and its influence on online learning engagement.Objectives: This study aims to (i) examine K-12 students’ perceived levels of basic psychological needs satisfaction in online learning; (ii) analyze group differences based on gender and grade level; and (iii) test the influence of need satisfaction on cognitive, behavioral, and emotional engagement in online learning.

Authors

• Bai, Xuemei
• Guo, Rifa

Reference Type

Journal

Keywords

• K-12 online learning