The role of student's achievement goals in their mental health

This study investigated the role of student's achievement goals in their mental health. This study was a descriptive correlation study. Using Morgan's sampling table. sample of 600 students selected with using multistage cluster sampling from all students in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran during the academic year of 2009-2010. For gathering data, it was used two scales: Goldberger's General Health Questionnaire and Midgley's Goal Orientations Scale. Data were analyzed by Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Results of the Pearson correlation coefficient showed that all goal orientation components (mastery, performance-approach and performance-avoiding) had a significant negative relationship with mental health. Multiple regression analysis showed that among these three orientations, mastery and approach ones can predict mental health, while avoiding one cannot. Therefore, Considering the results and the predictability of mental health by master and performance-approach orientations, it is needed that educational systems tend to direct their students towards these orientations.