Joining Forces: Connecting the Study of Rumination and Depression With the Study of Achievement Goal Orientation

• In Event: Roundtable Session 84
  In Roundtable Session: Sources and Consequences of Achievement Goals

Abstract

The current study links rumination and depression, constructs from mental health research, with achievement goal orientations, constructs from the study of achievement motivation. Regression analyses found that participants preferring performance-avoid goals were more likely to engage in brooding and reflective ruminative responses to stressful academic situations, while those preferring mastery goal orientations reported less brooding rumination in response stressful academic situations. Further analysis revealed that the relation between academic rumination and achievement goal orientation extended beyond a shared relationship with depressive symptoms. We propose that understanding relationships between depression, rumination and achievement goal orientation will improve both motivational and mental health intervention programs.

Authors

• Joan M. Martin, University of Victoria

• Martin Van Boekel, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities