Teacher–student relationships and student engagement: The mediating effect of peer relationships

Abstract

Previous research has shown that teacher–student relationships influence student engagement, which, in turn, plays a key role in academic achievement. However, few studies have focused on the mechanism between the teacher–student relationship and student engagement. To address this gap in the literature, this study examined the link between teacher–student relationships and college students' engagement via the mediator of peer relationships. The sample consisted of 222 university students in Southwest China. Results of structural equation modeling showed that a positive teacher–student relationship was positively related to student engagement, and peer relationships partially mediated this relationship. Our findings will help researchers and educators to better understand the mechanism of the link between teacher–student relationships and student engagement, and provide practical suggestions for improving college students' engagement.