HERO MODEL FOR LIFELONG LEARNING: UNVEILING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPACITY'S IMPACT ON PERSISTENCE AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT IN OFDL

Abstract

Psychological Capacity, conceptualized as the HERO Model (Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism), is recognized as a crucial factor influencing student success. However, limited studies have explored how these psychological factors impact Student Persistence and Career Development among postgraduate students in an Open Flexible Distance Learning (OFDL) setting. The study addresses this gap by investigating the influence of Psychological Capacity on Student Persistence and Career Development, with Student Engagement serving as a mediating variable. The objectives are to: (1) uncover the determinants that affect Student Persistence and Future Career and (2) describe how each of these variables is interrelated with one another. Employing Mixed-Methods with an Exploratory Design, this research applies a qualitative Systematic Literature Review first. This aims to establish a conceptual framework, followed by quantitative validation using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model. The study is designed to examine six hypotheses: Student Engagement is influenced by Hope (H₁), Efficacy (H₂), Resilience (H₃), and Optimism (H₄). Student Engagement directly affects Student Persistence (H₅) and Future Career (H₆). The findings essentially reveal that Psychological Capacity has a significant effect on Student Engagement. Students with high levels of HERO tend to be more involved in the learning process cognitively, emotionally, and behaviorally. Among the HERO components, Resilience and Optimism have the most substantial impact on Student Engagement. Respectively, Student Engagement is shown to significantly mediate the relationship between Psychological Capacity and Career Development, followed by Student Persistence. The higher the student's involvement in the learning process, the more likely they are to continue their studies. Furthermore, when students are more involved in the learning process, they tend to develop better skills and knowledge, which positively impacts their future careers. Remarkably, again, the study demonstrates that Resilience and Optimism are the most influential determinants of Student Persistence and Career Development. However, Hope and Efficacy are not validated by the analysis. This study is unique in its comprehensive exploration of the HERO model within the OFDL milieu. It offers constructive insights into enhancing student engagement and career readiness among distance learners. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating Resilience and Optimism to support sustainable lifelong learning at the postgraduate level.