Mindfulness and sustainability competencies in physical education teachers: Demographic factors as moderatorsm

This study explores the relationship between mindfulness (intrapersonal and interpersonal) and sustainability competencies among physical education teachers in Turkey. With sustainability emerging as a critical global concern in the 21st century, physical education is recognized as a vital component of general education, contributing to the development of students' cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills. Physical education teachers are positioned as key agents of change, capable of inspiring sustainable lifestyles through their passion and proactive engagement. The research investigates how mindfulness, both within oneself and in interactions with others, influences sustainability competencies across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Additionally, the study examines the moderating role of demographic factors, including gender, education level, and school level, in shaping this relationship. Data were collected from 852 physical education teachers and analyzed using structural equation modeling and moderator analysis. The findings highlight the stronger correlation of intrapersonal mindfulness with sustainability competencies compared to interpersonal mindfulness. Demographic variables were found to significantly moderate this relationship, with female teachers, high school educators, and those with postgraduate qualifications showing a stronger connection between mindfulness and sustainability competencies. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating mindfulness into teachers' personal and professional lives to enhance their capacity to promote sustainability. It calls for targeted training programs and integrative interventions to support this integration. Future research is encouraged to further investigate the dynamic interplay between mindfulness and sustainability, offering transformative potential for educational practices and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.