Predicting University Engagement of Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) Students via Three Positive Traits

Life Satisfaction, Academic Resilience, and Curiosity

Authors

  • Joseph Lobo Bulacan State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2553-467X
  • Jem Cloyd Tanucan INTI International University
  • Walton Wider INTI International University
  • Kirth Teodosio Aklan State University-New Washington Campus
  • Johnlenon Aliser Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology
  • Jiear Sison Northern Iloilo State University-Lemery Campus
  • Ailyn Elbanbuena Pototan National Comperehensive High School

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7160/eriesj.2025.180304

Keywords:

academic resilience, curiosity, life satisfaction, physical education teacher education, education policy

Abstract

Previous studies have examined life satisfaction, academic resilience, and curiosity as individual predictors of student engagement. Yet, limited evidence addresses how these traits collectively relate to university engagement, particularly among Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) students. This study investigated the predictive roles of life satisfaction (LS), academic resilience (ARS), and curiosity and exploration (CUR) in relation to university engagement (UE) and its three dimensions: vigor (VI), dedication (DE), and absorption (ABS). A sample of 2,730 PETE students from higher education institutions across the Philippines participated, and regression analyses were conducted. Results showed that curiosity consistently demonstrated significant associations with overall university engagement and each dimension. Academic resilience related only to dedication, while life satisfaction revealed no significant links with any domain. These findings suggest that while LS and ARS may support broader well-being, curiosity is more directly tied to participation, emotional commitment, and cognitive immersion in university life. For PETE students, whose engagement spans academic and performance demands, cultivating curiosity may be vital. The study highlights the importance of fostering learning environments that encourage exploration and openness, thereby strengthening engagement and better preparing future educators to navigate the complexities of teaching and lifelong professional growth.

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Additional Files

Published

2025-09-30

How to Cite

Lobo, J., Tanucan, J. C., Wider, W., Teodosio, K., Aliser, J., Sison, J. and Elbanbuena, A. (2025) ’Predicting University Engagement of Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) Students via Three Positive Traits: Life Satisfaction, Academic Resilience, and Curiosity’, Journal on Efficiency and Responsibility in Education and Science, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 188–196. https://doi.org/10.7160/eriesj.2025.180304

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Research Paper