Joint Trajectories of Extrinsic Motivation and Competence Beliefs: A Parallel-Process Growth Mixture Modeling Approach

• In Event: Motivational Trajectories Across Adolescence: Studies of Change and Development During High School and College

Abstract

While adolescents’ academic motivation usually declines, not all adolescents so struggle. This study tested the heterogeneity of motivation trajectories, focusing particularly on extrinsic motivation (EM) and competence beliefs (CB). To identify profiles of joint trajectories from Grade 8 to 11, parallel-process growth mixture modeling was utilized, drawing on nationally-representative data from South Korea (n = 6,908). Four distinct profiles were found, differentially predicting SAT achievement at Grade 12. Across the profiles, EM declined or maintained, paired with various patterns of CB. Between profiles of similarly stable EM, a profile demonstrating a high and increasing CB showed higher achievement than another demonstrating stable CB. Results underscore understanding multidimensional motivational development, with an emphasis on support for adolescents’ CB.

Authors

• You-kyung Lee, Sookmyung Women's University

• Unhee Ju, Riverside Insights