Self-enhancing and self-defeating ego orientation: Relations with task and avoidance orientation, achievement, self-perceptions, and anxiety

Journal/Book: J Educ Psychol. 1997; 89: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Amer Psychological Assoc. 71-81.

Abstract: Recent research in motivation has identified 2 main goal orientations: task orientation and ego orientation. Two studies of 6th- and 8th-grade Norwegian students tested the prediction that there are different dimensions of ego orientation (self-defeating and self-enhancing), that they may be separated from other goal orientations, and that they relate differently to academic achievement, self-concept, self-efficacy, self-esteem, anxiety, and intrinsic motivation. Results from both studies supported the predictions. The correlation between self-defeating and self-enhancing ego orientation was small, and these constructs had different relations to other variables in the study. Self-defeating ego orientation was associated with high anxiety and was negatively related to achievement and self-perceptions. Self-enhancing ego orientation was positively related to achievement, self-perceptions, and intrinsic motivation.

Note: Article Skaalvik EM, Norwegian Univ Sci & Technol, Dept Educ, N-7055 Dragvoll, NORWAY

Keyword(s): MOTIVATION; GOALS; CLASSROOM; EFFICACY; BELIEFS; SPORT

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