The Mediating Role of Locus of Control in the Relationship between Goal Orientations with Self-Esteem In Basij Students

The current research to aim was purpose conducted the mediating role of locus of control in relationship between goal orientation (skill-oriented, performance-oriented, performance-avoidance) with self-esteem. The research method was correlation of the type path analysis. The population of this study included all Basij students participating in the 24th round of the Velayat plan in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in the academic year 2019-2020. 170 students participated in this study by convenience sampling and respond to the Persian translation of an 18-item goal-orientation, Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale (RLOC) and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES). Data analysis was performed using path analysis statistical method and by the SPSS-22, and AMOS-24 statistical software’s and bootstrapping method was used to examine the mediating role of the variables. The results showed that the skill-oriented has a direct effect on self-esteem and an indirect effect on self-esteem through the source of control (p <0.01). Performance-oriented, performance-avoidance goals had no direct or indirect effect on self-esteem (p <0.05). Considering the present results and educability of GO, Higher education system and University Student Mobilization (Basij) should plan for improving internal motivation and directing students toward favorable GO; in this way, they can minimize the negative effects of low self-esteem.