The Mediating Effect of Positive Psychological Capital in the Relationship between Social Support and Occupational Happiness among Early Childhood Teachers in Ethnic Minority Regions of China: Focusing on the Yanbian Area

Purpose: This study examined how positive psychological capital mediates the relationship between social support and professional happiness among preschool teachers in China’s ethnic minority areas, providing data to enhance professional happiness and strengthen teacher professionalism. Methods: An online survey was conducted with 239 Early Childhood teachers working in kindergartens located in the Yanbian region. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0, including descriptive and correlation analyses. The mediating effect was evaluated via Baron and Kenny’s method and verified using Model 4 of the SPSS PROCESS macro. Results: First, social support, psychological capital, and professional happiness were positively correlated. Second, psychological capital partially mediated the relationship between social support and professional happiness. Conclusion: This study examined how social support influences the professional happiness of preschool teachers in China’s ethnic minority areas and verified the mediating role of positive psychological capital, highlighting the need to strengthen both to enhance professional happiness.