Paths to Motivation and Well-being in Health Professions Students
Author Information
Author(s): Zhu Yuanyuan, Dolmans Diana, Köhler S. Eleonore, Kusurkar Rashmi A., Abidi Latifa, Savelberg Hans
Primary Institution: Maastricht University
Hypothesis
How is the satisfaction of basic psychological needs associated with autonomous motivation and well-being?
Conclusion
Fostering students’ relatedness and competence might enhance their well-being, while autonomy satisfaction is crucial for developing higher autonomous motivation.
Supporting Evidence
- Autonomy satisfaction was directly and positively associated with autonomous motivation.
- Satisfaction of relatedness and competence was directly and positively associated with well-being.
- Autonomous motivation did not have a direct effect on well-being.
Takeaway
When students feel supported in their choices and connections, they are happier and more motivated in their studies.
Methodology
First-year health professions students completed an electronic survey measuring basic psychological needs satisfaction, autonomous motivation, and well-being, followed by structural equation modeling.
Potential Biases
The low response rate may have led to desirability bias, with mostly students with high autonomous motivation responding.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable due to the narrow participant pool from a single university and a low response rate.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 202 first-year health professions students, with a mean age of 19.7 years, consisting of 155 females and 44 males.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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