From ınterest to engagement: a serial mediation model of self-efficacy and academic buoyancy

This study advances motivational psychology in language acquisition by demonstrating a sequential pathway where interest catalyzes self-efficacy, which builds resilience, ultimately sustaining engagement. Psychological resources operate as an integrated system, with nearly half of motivational effects transmitted through this developmental chain. The findings extend positive psychology to culturally diverse contexts and indicate generalizability across 28 linguistic backgrounds. Psychological interventions must adopt holistic approaches targeting the entire motivational-resilience pathway to support learners facing cognitive and emotional challenges.