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Document Type

Honors Presentation

Abstract

Several studies have shown that individuals who engage in activities for intrinsic reasons are more adjusted and psychologically healthier and perform better professionally than those who participate in activities for extrinsic reasons. These studies have assessed both adults and children, but very few have looked at the college population and the specific impact of motivation to attend college on academic success and life satisfaction. In this study, college students from several universities completed a paper-based or an online survey that assessed academic success, life satisfaction, psychological health, and reasons for attending college. The results suggest that while intrinsic motivation relates to increased performance and satisfaction with life, extrinsic motivation is not necessarily bad. Extrinsic motivation was only associated with negative outcomes when the extrinsic goals were unrelated to career competence. While a focus on the pleasure of learning and accomplishing goals is important for college student success, a focus on career preparation and efficacy may be equally, if not more, important.

Publication Date

2003

Journal Title

Conference Proceedings: Undergraduate Social Science Research Conference

Volume

7

Issue

1

First Page

174

Last Page

178

Copyright

©2003 by the University of Northern Iowa

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

Publisher

University of Northern Iowa

City

Cedar Falls, IA

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