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Adolescent girls are more likely to develop internalizing symptoms than boys.
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Emotional competence fosters psychological adjustment among adolescents.
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Low self-esteem is a potential risk factor for adolescent’s internalizing symptoms.
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Self-esteem restrains the benefits of emotional competence on youth adjustment.
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The rapid transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic is viewed as paradigm shift in higher education.
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This study examines the mediating role of students’ basic psychological needs on the nexus between the learning climate and students’ engagement.
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The study corroborates that the satisfaction of basic psychological needs may stimulate students’ engagement in virtual learning environment.