The Mediating Role of Work Engagement in the Relationship Between Psychological Need Satisfaction and Meaning in Life Among College Teachers

The pursuit of meaning in life is a critical determinant of psychological well-being, yet its relationship with work-related psychological processes remains underexplored among educators in regional Philippine contexts. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this study examined the mediating role of work engagement in the relationship between psychological need satisfaction (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) and meaning in life. A cross-sectional correlational research design was employed, involving 198 college teachers from higher education institutions in Central Luzon, Philippines. Data were collected using the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS), the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), and the 9-item Filipino-validated Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Descriptive results indicated moderate to high levels across all three constructs. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations among need satisfaction, work engagement, and meaning in life (p < .001). Mediation analysis using a bootstrapping approach confirmed that work engagement partially mediated the relationship between psychological need satisfaction and meaning in life (Indirect Effect = 0.209, p < .001). While work engagement serves as a crucial motivational bridge, need satisfaction also maintained a significant direct effect on meaning in life (Direct Effect = 0.312, p = .003). These findings suggest that fostering need-supportive academic environments is essential for enhancing both faculty engagement and existential well-being.