From Emotional Intelligence to Career Satisfaction: A Resource Cascade Model of Self-Leadership and Adversity Quotient Among Teachers

While supportive leadership and policies are linked to positive teacher outcomes, the psychological mechanisms underlying career satisfaction remain unclear. This study examines whether emotional intelligence enhances career satisfaction through self-leadership (self-regulation toward goal attainment) and adversity quotient (capacity to cope with challenges). Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory and Conservation of Resources Theory, a sequential mediation model was tested using survey data from 343 Indonesian teachers. Results showed that emotional intelligence positively predicts self-leadership and adversity quotient; self-leadership positively predicts the adversity quotient and career satisfaction; and adversity quotient positively predicts career satisfaction. A significant sequential mediation effect was also confirmed.