Effect of Self-Esteem on Achievement Motivation among University Students

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VI, Issue VIII, August 2019 | ISSN 2321–2705

Effect of Self-Esteem on Achievement Motivation among University Students

Seth Odame-Mensah

Department of Education and Psychology, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract: – Satisfactory school learning is unlikely to take place in the absence of sufficient motivation to learn. The main aim of the study was to investigate the effect of self-esteem on achievement motivation of university students. Descriptive study design was adopted for the study. Out of a total population of 549 students, 226 students were sampled using stratifies sampling technique.Rosenberg self-esteem scale and Achievement Motivation questionnaire were the instruments used. Data to answer research question one was analysed using descriptive statistics(mean and standard) and simple linear regression was used to analyse the effect of self-esteem and achievement motivation. Result revealed that respondents had positive self-esteem. Further, analysis showed that self-esteem significantly predicted achievement motivation.

Keywords: Self-Esteem, Achievement motivation, Behaviour.

I. INTRODUCTION

University education plays a significant role in the quest to develop the nation’s future manpower for rapid development Quist (2003).Most economists agree that what ultimately determine the economic development of a country is human resources of the country and not capital or financial resources (Todaro, 2003). Hence, emphasizing on human resources is an eminent component which should be considered to reach development and comprehensive aims.Brown et al. (1998) have also acknowledged that stimulating motivation among students of higher learning still remains a challenge as some students’ enthusiasm for learning is unpredictable. This issue makes the investigation of achievement motivation (or need for achievement) very important. Need for achievement can be defined as personal desire to excel, succeed at all cost in the face of difficulty, even to outperform others (Chen, 2007). This attribute is important because it really position the students to strive to acquire maximum knowledge of their field that become a resource for the nation at the end of their schooling. Highly motivated students are normally the future resource for the development and progress of a nation (Mazinani, 2001). Besides, universities need students with high motivation who are able to adapt the rapid changes of the technological world (Martin, 2008).

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