Within-Year Stability and Changes in Adolescents’ Cross-Domain Motivational Profiles: Predictions on Academic Achievement and Educational Choices

Abstract

Supporting propositions of the Situated Expectancy-Value Theory, abundant research has shown academic motivation to predict students’ achievement and choices. Less explored, however, are individual differences in motivational dynamics, which may offer further perspectives on the formation of educational pathways. This study aimed at elucidating how stability and change in adolescents’ cross-domain motivational profiles within the last year of basic education are connected with their final grades and the selection of academic vs. vocational upper secondary school track. A nationally representative sample of Finnish students (N = 1,590, Mage = 14.8 years, 53% girls) reported motivation (self-concept; intrinsic, attainment, and utility value; cost) for math and language arts twice during the academic year. Grades and the chosen school track were derived from national registers. Data were analyzed using latent profile and transition analyses. We identified five motivational profiles in both semesters. Adjusted (overall moderate motivation; 33% / 33%), Highly motivated (overall high motivation; 23% / 26%) and Unattached (overall low motivation; 20% / 14%) were characterized by similar motivation for the two subjects, Math-motivated (13% / 16%) and Language-motivated (11% / 12%) by differentiated patterns. Expectedly, Highly motivated received the highest grades and were most likely to opt for the general track. Unattached, in turn, were prone to motivational changes. The profile transitions had unique value in predicting both educational outcomes. Given that gender and prior achievement predicted profile membership and changes to a considerable extent, our findings highlight the complex mechanisms behind and exclusivity of certain motivational tendencies and processes.