A Model of Social Achievement Goal Orientations

This dissertation evaluated a model of social goal orientations. This model was based on findings in social goals research and extended from current models of academic achievement goal orientations is presented. The model consists of three goal orientations, mastery, performance-approach and performance-avoidance. A social mastery orientation focuses on having positive and supportive relationships, and on building the skills to maintain them. A performance-approach orientation is focused on demonstrating to others one's social prestige. A performance-avoidance orientation is focused on demonstrating to others that one is not socially inept. The model was investigated using a sample of 273 college undergraduates. The sample was 77 percent Caucasian, nine percent Asian, six percent African-American, 5 percent Latino/Latina, two percent Native American, and 72 percent female. Results of confirmatory factor analyses support the hypothesized model. Relations of individual social goal orientations suggest social mastery to be the most adaptive in relation to self-efficacy and anxiety in both social and academic situations. In particular, a social performance-avoidance orientation was detrimental to both social and academic functioning. Further analyses of goal profiles support findings in previous research that combinations of goal orientations, particularly social mastery and performance-approach may be adaptive in some situations. The inclusion of social goal orientations in achievement goal theory is an important step in understanding how social achievement motivation relates to and impacts achievement in a college setting.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Hopkins, Nathaniel B.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ryan, Allison

• Education, Educational Psychology

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3101866

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/79750