Fear of Failure: A Multilevel Exploration of the Individual and Contextual Effects

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 3:45 pm
  In Poster Session: Motivating and Motivated: Experiences, Contexts, and Socializers

Abstract

Fear of failure is an avoidance-oriented achievement motive characterized by emotional responses such as shame and humiliation, affecting students’ academic performance. However, most studies focus on individual effects, leaving contextual effects underexplored. This study estimated both individual and contextual effects of fear of failure. Results indicate significant individual effects, with fear of failure negatively impacting mathematics and positively influencing reading and science. Additionally, positive contextual effects of fear of failure on higher academic achievement in all three subjects were found. The study also identified significant multilevel predictors of fear of failure, including individual, school climates, and cultural factors. These findings highlight the importance of considering both the personal and contextual effects of fear of failure.

Authors

• Yikang Chen, Chinese University of Hong Kong

• Ronnel B. King, Chinese University of Hong Kong