In-the-Moment Motivational Conflicts and Emotions: The Role of Motivational Regulation and Cost in Everyday Life

• In Event: Diverse Methodological Approaches to Exploring Student and Teacher Motivation

Abstract

As students pursue multiple goals across the domains of their everyday lives, they inevitably experience motivational conflicts. They may feel like they would rather do something else or feel like they should be doing something else. The purpose of this study was to use an experience sampling method (ESM) to examine whether and how students’ real-time motivational and emotional experiences differ across contexts. Fifty-seven undergraduate students provided 1,504 responses. Our findings revealed that: motivational conflict experiences are prevalent in academic, social, and personal contexts; motivational conflict and momentary emotions are dynamically intertwined; and cost perceptions and motivational regulation can serve as potential person-level antecedents of motivational conflict experiences and momentary emotions. Theoretical contributions and practical implications are also discussed.

Authors

• Yeo-eun Kim, Florida State University
  Presenting Author

• Cristina D. Zepeda, Vanderbilt University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Rachel Martin, OneGoal
  Non-Presenting Author

• Andrew C. Butler, Washington University in St. Louis
  Non-Presenting Author