The Impact of Perceived Academic Competition Atmosphere on Learning Engagement Among Pre-service Teachers—The Mediating Role of Upward Academic Comparison and the Moderating Roleof Academic Buoyancy

Ren Yongcan; Duan Xinglan

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Education and Teaching Research ›› 2026, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (10) : 73-89.

Ren Yongcan, Duan Xinglan

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Abstract

As a key reserve force for the future teaching profession,the learning engagement of pre-service teachers is crucial for their professional competence and future career competitiveness.To examine the impact of theperceived academic competition atmosphere on learning engagement among pre-service teachers,as well as the roles of upward academic comparison and academic buoyancy in this relationship,a survey was conducted among 534 pre-service teachers using the Academic Involution Atmosphere Perception Scale,the Learning Engagement Scale,the Upward Academic Comparison Scale,and the Academic Buoyancy Scale.The results revealed that the perceived academic competition environment hasa significant positive predictive effect on learning engagement,with upward academic comparison playing a partial mediating role between the two.Furthermore,academic buoyancy positively moderated the relationships between the perceived academic competition atmosphere and both upward academic comparison and learning engagement,respectively.It also moderated the mediating effect of upward academiccomparison in this relationship.Therefore,it is recommended to guide pre-service teachers in transforming competitive pressure into motivation for self-improvement,thereby realizing the positive value of upward academic comparison.Efforts should be made to shift their approach from passive competition to active striving,and to help them find a sense of meaning in learning and self-worth through the construction of professional identity.Simultaneously,attention should begiven to providing necessary external support to fully leverage the protective mechanism of academic buoyancy.

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pre-service teachers / learning engagement / perceived academic competition atmosphere / upward academic comparison / academic buoyancy

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Ren Yongcan, Duan Xinglan. The Impact of Perceived Academic Competition Atmosphere on Learning Engagement Among Pre-service Teachers—The Mediating Role of Upward Academic Comparison and the Moderating Roleof Academic Buoyancy[J]. Education and Teaching Research. 2026, 40(10): 73-89

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