Control and Value Interact to Predict Achievement Emotions: A Large-Scale, Multiple-Cohort Study

• In Event: Student Emotion Across Domains and Contexts

Abstract

Pekrun’s (2006) control value theory states that the intensity of students’ achievement emotions are a multiplicative function of their appraisals of control and value. However, few studies have tested both the additive and multiplicative effects of control and value in predicting achievement emotions. Using a large-scale, multiple-cohort sample of college students (N = 6451) the current study sought to address this gap between theory and empirical support by testing the strength of control, value, and their interaction, in predicting a range of discrete achievement emotions. This study provides strong evidence to support CVT; control and value interacted to predict course-related enjoyment, boredom, anxiety, pride, shame, regret, and helplessness. Regression models accounted for a meaningful proportion of variance in emotions.

Authors

• Robert Paul Dryden, University of Manitoba

• Raymond P. Perry, University of Manitoba

• Jeremy M. Hamm, North Dakota State University

• Patti C. Parker, University of Alberta

• Judith Chipperfield, University of Manitoba