Interdependence of Perceived Peer Motivational Climate and Social Goal Orientations Among Middle and High School Students

• In Event: Social and Cultural Influences on Motivation and Engagement

Abstract

Social goal orientations have been established as important aspects of students' adjustment in school. The current study aimed to explore the role of peer motivational climate in the changes of social goals within the same school year. The sample included 355 middle and high-school students who participated at two time points. Cross-lagged analyses revealed that positive peer motivational climate predicted an increase in social development goals and a decrease in social demonstration-approach goals. Social demonstration-approach and avoidance goals predicted an increase in negative aspects of peer motivational climate. Both researchers and practitioners may be interested in the complex relationships between these aspects of social motivation and climate, and consider these findings in future studies and interventions.

Authors

• Efrat Mezan, Bar-Ilan University

• Shir Ester Rubin, Bar-Ilan University

• Melissa Karakus, Temple University

• Nir Madjar, Bar Ilan University