Conditional Effects of Need for Cognition on Achievement and Life Satisfaction: The Importance of Perceived Cognitive Challenges for College Students

• In Event: Academic Outcomes

Abstract

Higher education institutions have received criticism regarding the lack of academic rigor. This study’s purpose was to explore how this might affect college students using a person-environment fit framework. We examined how the relationship between the personality trait, need for cognition (NFC), and the environments’ cognitive challenges affects GPA and life satisfaction. The relationship between NFC and GPA was fully mediated by perceived academic challenge. The relationship between NFC and life satisfaction was also fully mediated by perceived academic challenge. Models using perceived extracurricular challenge, however, were not significant. When there was a mismatch between NFC and perceived challenges, life satisfaction decreased. These findings suggest professors and counselors should consider perceived challenge levels to promote achievement and life satisfaction.

Authors

• Lisa DaVia Rubenstein, Ball State University

• William Holmes Finch, Ball State University

• Eric Eugene Pierson, Ball State University

• Christopher W. Drapeau, Ball State University