Perceived social support and self-regulated learning: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Self-regulated learning (SRL) is conceived as an active, constructive process aimed at the attainment of personal learning goals. It is considered essential for academic achievement and life-long learning. Distal and proximal social influences, among which perceived social support (PSS) has been receiving increasing attention, are thought to play a key role in the development and display of SRL. In this paper, we aim to summarize the available data on the relationship between PSS and SRL by reviewing published studies that include samples comprising students at different stages of education, ranging from elementary school to university. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis, seeking to examine the association between PSS and SRL, by considering the possible moderating effects of different support provisions and sources. In addition, we tentatively propose explanations for the relationship based on broadly supported theoretical models of PSS and SRL.