The Mediating Effect of Attitude Change on the Relationship Between Learners’ Pre-Learning Attitudes and Perceived Necessity in Fan Dance Education

This study investigated the relationships among learners’ Pre-learning Attitude toward fan dance, Post-learning Attitude Change, and Perceived Necessity of fan dance education. Survey data were collected from 250 adult female learners across Korea, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test both direct and indirect pathways. The results showed that Pre-learning Attitude significantly influenced Post-learning Attitude Change, but its direct effect on Perceived Necessity was not significant. Instead, Post-learning Attitude Change fully mediated the relationship, underscoring the pivotal role of attitudinal transformation in shaping recognition of necessity. Multi-group analysis further revealed differences by participation duration and program type. The mediated effect was strongest among participants with three to six months of learning and in one-time special lectures. These findings contribute theoretically by extending attitude change models to the context of cultural education and offer practical implications for designing effective fan dance programs that foster recognition of cultural value.