The mediating role of academic motivation in the relationship between optimism and academic enthusiasm in students

The present study aimed to determine the mediating role of academic motivation in the relationship between optimism and academic enthusiasm in students. The research utilized a descriptive-correlational research method employing structural equation modeling. The statistical population for the research comprised all second-year high school students in Kuhrang city in 1402. A sample of 400 male and female students was selected using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. Data were collected using the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS; Vallerland et al., 1992), Academic Optimism Scale (AOS; Tschannen‐Moran et al., 2013), and Academic Enthusiasm Scale (AES; Fredricks et al., 2005). The results indicated that the proposed model was a good fit. Specifically, the direct effect of academic optimism on academic enthusiasm, demotivation, intrinsic motivation, and extrinsic motivation was found to be significant. Additionally, academic demotivation, intrinsic motivation, and extrinsic motivation exhibited a significant direct effect on academic enthusiasm (P<0.05). Further analysis revealed that intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and lack of motivation mediated the relationship between optimism and academic enthusiasm (P<0.05). In conclusion, it can be inferred that academic optimism directly influences students' academic enthusiasm through the mediation of academic motivation.