ISSN 3028-0877 | e-ISSN 3155-6043


> About
> Editorial Board
> Guidelines for Authors

> Peer Review Policy
> Volumes and Issues
> Open Access

PANTAO, an International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences, with ISSN 3028-0877 | e-ISSN 3155-6043, is an annual journal that serves as a scholarly platform dedicated to the exploration and dissemination of research in the disciplines of humanities and social sciences.

> Licensing Terms and Conditions
>
Copyright Policy


Latest Articles

Author

Geric Bryle B. Lascuña*
Cebu Technological University – Main Campus, Cebu City, Philippines

Abstract

This study examined Adversity Quotient (AQ) and Work Motivation in relation to Job Satisfaction among Special Needs Education (SNED) teachers during School Year 2025–2026. A quantitative, non-experimental, predictive-correlational design was employed, with 100 reported respondents from selected public elementary and integrated schools in Davao del Norte. Adapted survey instruments were used, and responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product–moment correlation, and multiple linear regression. The reported overall levels were Very High for AQ (M = 3.39), Work Motivation (M = 3.40), and Job Satisfaction (M = 3.31). Compensation and benefits was the only job satisfaction dimension classified as High (M = 3.16). AQ and Job Satisfaction were positively correlated (r = .555, p < .001), as were Work Motivation and Job Satisfaction (r = .636, p < .001). The multiple-regression model was statistically significant (R² = .420, F = 35.14, p < .001). However, Work Motivation was a significant unique predictor (β = .497, p < .001), whereas AQ was not significant after controlling for Work Motivation (β = .187, p = .107). These findings support prioritizing motivation-oriented institutional support while continuing resilience and well-being initiatives. The proposed output is the SNED Teachers Resilience, Motivation, and Well-Being Enhancement Program (STRMWEP).

Keywords:  SNED Teachers; adversity quotient; work motivation; job satisfaction; special and inclusive education; quantitative; predictive-correlational; Davao del Norte; Philippines.

*Corresponding author / Email: gericbrylelascuna@gmail.com
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS05041660

Recommended citation:
Lascuña, G. B. B. (2026). A predictive model of adversity quotient and work motivation on job satisfaction among special needs education (SNED) teachers. Pantao (International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 5 (4), 1313-1331. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS05041660

Read the full text

References

Acton, R., & Glasgow, P. (2021). Teacher well-being in a changing educational landscape: The role of workplace support and organizational climate. Educational Review, 73(5), 611–627. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131911.2019.1706621

Agyapong, B., Obuobi-Donkor, G., Burback, L., & Wei, Y. (2022). Stress, burnout, anxiety and depression among teachers: A scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(17), Article 10706.

Ainsworth, H., & Oldfield, J. (2022). Teacher resilience and professional sustainability: Exploring adaptive capacities in contemporary educational settings. Professional Development in Education, 48(5), 813–828. https://doi.org/10.1080/19415257.2021.1886173

Al Shuaili, A. H. (2025). The relationship between teacher motivation and job satisfaction among educators in contemporary educational settings. International Journal of Educational Humanities, 3(1), 45–58. https://doi.org/10.58557/ijeh.v3i1.287

Aldrup, K., Carstensen, B., Köller, O., & Klusmann, U. (2022). The relationship between teachers’ occupational well-being and instructional quality: The role of work motivation. Teaching and Teacher Education, 117, Article 103808. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2022.103808

Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). (2023). Australian teacher workforce data: Key insights and trends. AITSL. https://www.aitsl.edu.au

Beltman, S. (2024). Teacher resilience and professional well-being: Strengthening sustainability in the teaching profession. Teachers and Teaching, 30(2), 145–161. https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2024.2301845

Bennell, P., & Akyeampong, K. (2021). Teacher motivation and incentives in education systems: Emerging evidence on retention and performance. International Journal of Educational Development, 84, Article 102404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2021.102404

Berkovich, I. (2023). School leadership and teacher well-being: The role of trust, communication, and organizational support. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 51(5), 1031–1048. https://doi.org/10.1177/17411432221084567

Brunsting, N. C., et al. (2024). Special education teacher burnout and well-being: A systematic review. Teaching and Teacher Education.

Burić, I., & Moe, A. (2022). What makes teachers enthusiastic: The interplay of positive affect, perseverance, and professional commitment. Teaching and Teacher Education, 113, Article 103664. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2022.103664

Cha, W. (2025). How to promote intrinsically versus extrinsically motivated teachers’ job satisfaction: Evidence from large-scale data. Teaching and Teacher Education.

Collie, R. J. (2022). Teacher well-being and job satisfaction: The role of workplace conditions and professional relationships. Educational Psychology, 42(8), 1012–1029. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2022.2043456

Collie, R. J. (2024). Teacher well-being and professional functioning: The role of psychological resources in educational settings. Teaching and Teacher Education, 139, Article 104458. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2023.104458

Data USA. (2024). Special education teachers. https://datausa.io/profile/soc/special-education-teachers

Day, C., Gu, Q., & Sammons, P. (2023). Resilience, commitment, and effectiveness among teachers: Understanding sustained professional engagement. Teachers and Teaching, 29(4), 421–438. https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2023.2195641

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The ‘what’ and ‘why’ of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2023). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being in educational settings. Educational Psychologist, 58(2), 87–103. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2023.2173921

Education Endowment Foundation. (2022). Effective professional development: Guidance report. https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk

Education International. (2024). Teacher well-being, resilience, and the future of the teaching profession. https://www.ei-ie.org/en

European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education. (2024). Supporting teachers in inclusive education: Workplace conditions and professional well-being. https://www.european-agency.org

European Commission. (2022). Teachers in Europe: Careers, development and well-being. Publications Office of the European Union. https://op.europa.eu

European Commission. (2024). Teachers in Europe: Careers, development and well-being. Publications Office of the European Union. https://education.ec.europa.eu

Fernet, C., Senécal, C., Guay, F., Marsh, H., & Dowson, M. (2008). The Work Tasks Motivation Scale for Teachers (WTMST). Journal of Career Assessment, 16(2), 256–279. https://doi.org/10.1177/1069072707305764

Fernet, C., Trépanier, S. G., Austin, S., & Levesque-Côté, J. (2023). Work motivation and occupational well-being among teachers: Examining predictors of professional satisfaction and engagement. Teaching and Teacher Education, 126, Article 104079. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2023.104079

Granziera, H., Collie, R. J., & Martin, A. J. (2021). Understanding teacher well-being through the lens of leadership support and workplace relationships. Teaching and Teacher Education, 106, Article 103466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2021.103466

Greenier, V., Derakhshan, A., & Fathi, J. (2022). Teacher emotional regulation, resilience, and job satisfaction: Examining the interplay of psychological resources in education. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 870244. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.870244

Gundlach, H. A. D., et al. (2024). A meta-analysis of the antecedents of teacher turnover and retention behaviors and intentions. Educational Research Review.

Kasalak, G., & Dağyar, M. (2020). The relationship between teacher self-efficacy and teacher job satisfaction: A meta-analysis of the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS). Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, 20(3), 16–33.

Guzman, M., & Choi, K. (2024). Investigating SPED teachers’ stress and job satisfaction to strengthen workplace support. International Journal of Educational Research and Development, 12(3), 45–59.

Iancu, A. E., Rusu, A., Măroiu, C., Păcurar, R., & Maricuțoiu, L. P. (2022). The effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing teacher burnout: A meta-analysis. Educational Psychology Review.

International Academy of Education. (2024). Educational leadership and teacher effectiveness: International perspectives on school improvement. https://www.iaoed.org

International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP-UNESCO). (2024). Teacher motivation, retention, and professional effectiveness in changing educational environments. UNESCO. https://www.iiep.unesco.org

International Labour Organization. (2023). World employment and social outlook: The value of work in education. https://www.ilo.org

International Labour Organization. (2024). World employment and social outlook 2024: The value of decent work in public services. https://www.ilo.org

International Labour Organization. (2025). Workplace well-being and employee satisfaction in public service professions. https://www.ilo.org

International Task Force on Teachers for Education 2030. (2024). Global report on teachers: Addressing teacher shortages and supporting teacher resilience. UNESCO. https://teachertaskforce.org

Jackson, S. L., & Parker, A. K. (2023). Building resilience among special education teachers: Strategies for reducing burnout and supporting retention. Journal of Special Education Leadership, 36(2), 85–97. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1440803.pdf

Klusmann, U., Aldrup, K., Schmidt, J., & Lüdtke, O. (2023). Teacher responsibility, professional engagement, and occupational well-being: Exploring pathways to sustainable teaching careers. Teaching and Teacher Education, 126, Article 104083. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2023.104083

Li, Y., et al. (2025). A meta-analysis of teacher well-being: A job demands and resources perspective. Educational Research Review.

Liu, S., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2022). Compensation, benefits, and employee satisfaction in educational organizations: Implications for workforce retention. International Journal of Educational Management, 36(7), 1325–1341. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-03-2022-0108

Madigan, D. J., & Kim, L. E. (2021). Towards an understanding of teacher attrition: A meta-analysis of burnout, job satisfaction, and teachers’ intentions to quit. Teaching and Teacher Education.

Madigan, D. J., & Kim, L. E. (2021). Towards an understanding of teacher attrition: A meta-analysis of burnout, job satisfaction, and teachers’ intention to quit. Teaching and Teacher Education, 105, Article 103425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2021.103425

Mansfield, C. F., Beltman, S., Broadley, T., & Weatherby-Fell, N. (2022). Building teacher resilience: The role of personal and contextual resources in sustaining teachers’ professional engagement. Teachers and Teaching, 28(4), 453–470. https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2022.2036324

Mansfield, C. F., Beltman, S., Weatherby-Fell, N., & Broadley, T. (2021). Building resilience in teachers: The role of resilience in professional satisfaction and well-being. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 46(5), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2021v46n5.1

McLean, L., Taylor, M., & Jimenez, M. (2023). Teacher perseverance, occupational well-being, and sustained professional engagement in challenging educational contexts. Educational Psychology, 43(8), 1124–1141. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2023.2184576

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2025). Results from TALIS 2024: The state of teaching. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/90df6235-en

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2023). Education at a glance 2023: OECD indicators. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/e13bef63-en

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2024). Teachers through TALIS: Professional collaboration and teacher well-being. OECD Publishing. https://www.oecd.org

Orines, M. M. (2023). Work-related burnout on psychological well-being among public school teachers: Resilience as a moderating factor. European Journal of Psychology and Educational Research, 6(2), 109–119. https://doi.org/10.12973/ejper.6.2.109

Ortan, F., Simut, C., & Simut, R. (2021). Self-efficacy, job satisfaction and teacher well-being in the K–12 educational system. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(23), Article 12763. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312763

Perez, M. C. M. (2024). Adversity quotient and professional competence among educators. Journal of Educational Leadership and Management.

Podolsky, A., Kini, T., Bishop, J., & Darling-Hammond, L. (2023). Teacher compensation and retention: Examining the relationship between financial rewards and workforce stability. Educational Policy Analysis Archives, 31(45), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.31.7601

Prado, N. I. (2025). CORE dimensions and faculty performance in higher education. Philippine Journal of Educational Research.

Räsänen, K., Pietarinen, J., Pyhältö, K., Soini, T., & Väisänen, P. (2023). Professional support, workplace climate, and teacher satisfaction: Examining the factors that sustain teaching careers. Teaching and Teacher Education, 128, Article 104132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2023.104132

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. Guilford Press.

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2020). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2022). Self-determination theory. In Encyclopedia of quality of life and well-being research. Springer.

Salvo-Garrido, S., San-Martín, C., González-Arias, M., & Pérez-Villalobos, M. V. (2025). Teacher resilience and professional well-being: A systematic review of protective factors in educational settings. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, Article 1518223. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1518223

Skaalvik, E. M., & Skaalvik, S. (2022). Teacher motivation, self-efficacy, and job satisfaction: A longitudinal investigation of professional well-being. Social Psychology of Education, 25(5), 1243–1263. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-022-09723-8

Skaalvik, E. M., & Skaalvik, S. (2023). Teacher job satisfaction, collegial support, and school climate: Examining relationships in contemporary educational settings. Social Psychology of Education, 26(4), 1121–1140. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-023-09789-6

Spector, P. E. (1985). Measurement of human service staff satisfaction: Development of the Job Satisfaction Survey. American Journal of Community Psychology, 13(6), 693–713. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00929796

Stoltz, P. G. (1997). Adversity quotient: Turning obstacles into opportunities. John Wiley & Sons.

Thapa, A., Cohen, J., Guffey, S., & Higgins-D’Alessandro, A. (2022). School climate and teacher well-being: The importance of positive interpersonal relationships in schools. Educational Research Review, 36, Article 100452. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2022.100452

Tikly, L., Barrett, A. M., Bainton, D., & Cameron, L. (2023). Teacher motivation, school support, and educational quality: Insights from contemporary educational research. Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education, 53(6), 1021–1039. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2022.2031358

Toropova, A., Myrberg, E., & Johansson, S. (2021). Teacher job satisfaction: The importance of school working conditions and teacher characteristics. Educational Review, 73(1), 71–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131911.2019.1705247

Torres, A. C. (2023). School climate, teacher satisfaction, and professional commitment: Exploring the connections in contemporary educational settings. Journal of Educational Administration, 61(4), 421–438. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEA-09-2022-0175

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2023). Global education monitoring report 2023: Gender and education. UNESCO Publishing. https://www.unesco.org/gem-report

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2023). Global education monitoring report 2023: Gender and education. UNESCO Publishing. https://www.unesco.org/gem-report

Wang, Y., & Shakibaei, G. (2025). Work motivation, professional engagement, and job satisfaction among teachers: Examining the interconnected relationships. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, Article 1487749. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1487749

Wartenberg, G., Aldrup, K., & Klusmann, U. (2023). Satisfied and high performing? A meta-analysis and systematic review of the correlates of teachers’ job satisfaction. Educational Psychology Review.

Wartenberg, G., et al. (2023). Satisfied and high performing? A meta-analysis and systematic review of the correlates of teachers’ job satisfaction. Educational Psychology Review.

Wartenberg, G., Weber, P., & Raufelder, D. (2023). Teacher job satisfaction and its associations with motivation, occupational well-being, and educational outcomes. Frontiers in Education, 8, Article 1184770. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1184770

World Bank. (2024). Women in teaching and educational leadership: Global trends and implications. World Bank Group. https://www.worldbank.org

World Economic Forum. (2024). Future of jobs report 2024. https://www.weforum.org/reports/future-of-jobs-report-2024/

Zee, M., & Koomen, H. M. Y. (2021). Teacher self-efficacy and professional functioning in educational settings: A review of contemporary evidence. Educational Psychology Review, 33(3), 857–891. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-020-09555-1

Published in