Contingent Self-Worth as a Predictor of Motivational Change Over the First Semester of College

• In Event: How Beliefs About Self Relate to Motivation and Cognition

Abstract

The first semester of college is a period of motivational instability but the sources of motivational change are not fully understood. Using Self-Determination Theory, we assessed six types of motivation among 505 students at the beginning and end of the first semester of college. We then tested the extent to which contingent self-worth (CSW) at college entry predicted motivational change. Regression analyses revealed that CSW predicted growth in negative introjection (motivation to avoid guilt/shame), positive introjection (motivation to seek validation), and identified regulation (motivation for personal meaning). CSW also predicted higher GPA. These findings support the perspective of CSW as “motivationally ambiguous,” predicting both adaptive and maladaptive patterns of motivation and achievement.

Authors

• Zhaoying Victoria Liu, Reed College

• Nell Scherfling, Reed College

• Jennifer Henderlong Corpus, Reed College