A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Predictors of teachers’ inclusive practices: a longitudinal study using the theory of planned behaviour




AuthorsGulsun, Ipek; Malinen, Olli-Pekka; Yada, Akie; Virtanen, Tuomo; Savolainen, Hannu

PublisherInforma UK Limited

Publication year2026

Journal: European Journal of Special Needs Education

ISSN0885-6257

eISSN1469-591X

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/08856257.2026.2641554

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1080/08856257.2026.2641554

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/523480599

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

We examined the longitudinal relationship between teachers' affective attitudes towards inclusive education, subjective norms about inclusive practices, self-efficacy, intentions to use inclusive practices, and their inclusive practices. The study used Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and focused on two domains: personalised instructional practices and collaboration and assessment practices. We analysed longitudinal survey data consisting of responses from Finnish basic education teachers (N = 783) to two questionnaires launched in September 2022 and April 2023. The data on affective attitudes, subjective norms, self-efficacy, and intentions originated from the first round of data collection, and the data for inclusive practices were obtained from the second round. The structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis revealed that teachers' self-efficacy for inclusive practices and their intentions to use inclusive practices significantly predicted their inclusive practices. The positive indirect effects of teachers' affective attitudes towards inclusive education, subjective norms about inclusive practices, and self-efficacy on their inclusive practices via their intentions were statistically significant. This finding demonstrated that teachers' intentions served as a mediator between these three factors and their inclusive practices. The results have significant implications for enriching teacher training programmes, shaping future policies on inclusive education, and improving more inclusive educational practices in schools.


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Funding information in the publication
The Centre of Excellence for Learning Dynamics and Intervention Research (InterLearn CoE) in the Academy of Finland's Centre of Excellence Programme (2022-2029) under Grant [JYU-EDU/Aro 346120, JYU-PSY/Leppanen 346119, and UTU/Korja 346121] The Republic of Turkiye Ministry of National Education, General Directorate of Higher and Foreign Education, Turkish Government Study Abroad Programme.


Last updated on 21/05/2026 11:13:17 AM