Prediction of Educational Motivation Based on Mental Toughness and Capacity of Sustaining Effort and Interest for Long-Term Purposes

Motivational processes underlie students' learning behaviors that can be influenced by various psychological factors. One of these variables is called mental toughness which different levels of it can affect students' academic performance. On the other hand, the capacity to sustain effort and interest for long-term goals is an effective factor related to academic success. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate the role of psychological strength and the capacity to maintain effort and interest for long-term goals (stability) in predicting students' academic achievement.

This study is descriptive and correlational. The statistical population of the study consisted of all high school students in the first district of Rasht city in the academic year of 2018-19. The sample included 300 students from this papulation (150 female students and 150 male students) who were selected using convenience sampling method. Data were collected using the Educational Motivation Scale (Harter, 1981), Mental Toughness Questionnaire (Sheard, Golby, & Van Wersch, 2009), and Short Grit Scale (Duckworth & Quinn, 2009). Data were analyzed by SPSS software using Pearson correlation and multiple regression.

The results of multiple regression analysis showed that the effect of confidence (0.17), constancy (0.23), control (0.21) and grit (0.18) on students' academic motivation was positive and significant. Also, mental toughness and the capacity of sustaining effort and interest for long-term purposes (grit) significantly predict students' academic motivation (p <0.01). The results also showed that mental toughness, capacity of sustaining effort, and interest for long-term goals (grit) predict 17% of students' academic motivation.

According to the research findings, it was found that students who have long-term goals and have a clear plan for their academic future have a higher academic motivation. Also, students who achieve high scores in mental toughness show greater consistency and stability in their studies and will continue to study with a more sustainable motivation. It is therefore essential for teachers and families to focus more on these topics to strengthen students' mental toughness and grit.