Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42157329›Full record

ArticleBMC psychology2026

The relationship between creative learning environment and adolescents' mathematical problem-solving ability: a moderated mediation model.

Yongzhao Wang, Lijun Zhou, Bingqing Xie, Qiantong Su, Lisha Wang, Hua Jin

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Article in BMC psychology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Yongzhao WangSchool of Mathematics and Statistics, Anyang Normal University, 436 Xian'ge Road, Anyang, 455000, China.
Lijun ZhouSchool of Mathematics and Statistics, Anyang Normal University, 436 Xian'ge Road, Anyang, 455000, China.
Bingqing XieSchool of Mathematics and Statistics, Anyang Normal University, 436 Xian'ge Road, Anyang, 455000, China.
Qiantong SuSchool of Mathematics and Statistics, Anyang Normal University, 436 Xian'ge Road, Anyang, 455000, China.
Lisha WangSchool of Management and Economics, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, 36 Beihuan Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, China. wanglisha391@163.com.
Hua JinDepartment of Chinese Language and Literature, Gyeongsang National University, 501, Jinju, Jinju-Daero, 52678, Korea.

Funding

General Research Project in Educational Science Planning of Henan Province 2025YB0173Henan Province Education Powerhouse Special Research Project 2026JYQS316Henan Provincial Natural Science Foundation 262300422687Henan Provincial Soft Science Research Program 262400411354
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND

objectivesMathematical problem-solving ability (MPSA), as a core indicator for measuring students' higher-order thinking development, is crucial for fostering the formation and transfer of their innovative capabilities. However, the complex mechanisms underlying MPSA require further exploration. The current study aims to deepen the understanding of the psychological mechanisms linking creative school and classroom environments (CSCE) to MPSA by examining the mediating effect of creative self-efficacy (CSE) and the moderating effect of ICT usage (ICTU). METHODOLOGY: Based on PISA 2022 and drawing on a sample of adolescents in Korea (N = 6,364), the current study employed descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis, as well as constructed a moderated mediation model to systematically examine the complex mechanisms through which CSCE, CSE, and ICTU are associated with adolescents' MPSA.

resultsCSCE, CSE, and ICTU were all positively correlated with and significantly predicted MPSA. Further analysis revealed that CSCE was not only directly associated with MPSA, but also indirectly associated via CSE, which provides additional support for social cognitive theory. The moderating analysis further revealed that ICTU operated a dual role within the model. On the one hand, ICTU positively moderated the CSCE → CSE pathway, strengthening the positive association between the environment and self-efficacy. On the other hand, it negatively moderated both the CSCE → MPSA and CSE → MPSA pathways, suggesting that excessive ICTU may weaken the conversion of environmental and self-belief inputs into problem-solving capacity through increased cognitive load. Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed that the pattern of associations varies across different gender and mathematical literacy groups, specifically in terms of the direction and intensity of the mediation patterns and moderating effects, which differ according to group characteristics.

conclusionThe present study further preliminarily elucidates the complex psychological mechanisms through which creative learning environments are associated with mathematical problem-solving ability, provides empirical insights into the application of social cognitive and constructivist theories in high-pressure educational contexts, and offers guidance on implementing differentiated teaching interventions in the reducing academic burden and enhancing efficiency reforms in South Korea and similar educational systems.

Indexed as

CreativityLearningMathematicsProblem SolvingSelf EfficacyStudentsAcademiaAdolescentFemaleHumansMaleModels, PsychologicalRepublic of KoreaSchoolsCreative learning environmentCreative self-efficacyMathematical problem-solving abilityModerating mediationSubgroup analysis

Identifiers

PMID42157329
PMCPMC13352815

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