The Relationship between Children’s Aspiration Profiles and Self-Efficacy, Life Satisfaction, and Academic Achievement

Abstract

Limited research in the psychology literature has addressed the specifics of children’s future orientations. Using a thematic approach, the present study investigates children’s personal aspirations for their adult lives via a questionnaire that addressed (1) the types of aspiration profiles present in a sample of 456 Italian students aged 8–13 and balanced for gender, and (2) how these profiles differ according to demographics, the number of aspirations, academic and social self-efficacy, life satisfaction, and academic achievement. Using cluster analysis, three aspiration profiles emerged, which include individualistic (focused on the possible future self), independent (concentrated on one’s own future family and independence), and social (focused on future friends and the family of origin). The independent profile demonstrated better overall psychological and academic adjustment than did the other two profiles. The article discusses the results of the study using the framework of self-determination theory in the context of Italian society.

Contradictory Aspects of Job Searching in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Relationships between Perceived Socioeconomic Constraints, Work Volition, and the Meaning of Work

“…In addition, various successful experiences are accumulated in this process [49]. Similar results were found in a study of 456 Italian students [50]. Therefore, self-efficacy and academic performance reinforce the belief that one is competent in a situation where social and economic constraints are perceived, so that one can pursue a higher social position.…”

The Future Orientation of Italian Adolescents in Post-Pandemic Times: Associations with Self-Efficacy and Perceived Academic Achievement

“…Future orientation undergoes development throughout the entire lifespan [3], starting from childhood [13,14] and extending to old age [15]. However, the majority of research on future orientation has focused on adolescents due to their more advanced cognitive abilities compared with children, and their perceived necessity to prepare for adulthood [2].…”

Effects of mindfulness on stress, life satisfaction, and savoring beliefs among Hong Kong Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Adolescence is a critical period of cognitive, psychological, and physical development, and there is an increased level of stage-salient stress during this phase ( Bergin et al, 2018 ). Several studies have found that life satisfaction is positively related to academic achievement ( Diseth et al, 2012 ; Wong and Siu, 2017 ; Bozzato, 2020 ), whereas adolescents’ life satisfaction also influenced by the use of social media and peer relationships ( Geraee et al, 2019 ; Orben et al, 2019 ). In the findings of a longitudinal study, adolescents who reported positive life satisfaction were at a lower risk of developing external behaviors in stressful events ( Suldo and Huebner, 2004 ).…”