Recent research has demonstrated that self-report measures of experienced autonomy and external control relate to attitudes, behavior, and well-being consistent with self-determination theory (SDT) predictions. These motivational states have traditionally been inferred from reason-based measures of the SDT motivation types; inferences that may not be accurate, particularly when there are multiple reasons for engaging in an activity. In this research, we investigated whether self-report measures of the psychological states associated with the specific SDT motivation types might similarly eliminate the need for inference from reason-based measures and contribute meaningfully to the prediction of important outcomes. We developed a context-free measure of the type-specific motivation states - Motivational State Scales – Specific (MSS-S) – including separate approach and avoidance versions of external and introjected regulation. We administered the MSS-S along with measures of the global motivation states (autonomy, control, strength) and relevant outcomes (e.g., need satisfaction, well-being, attitudes, performance) to employees ( n = 500) and students ( n = 476). The findings supported a 9-factor structure, and the type-specific motivational states related to global states and outcomes largely in accord with SDT predictions, with meaningful differences for the approach and avoidance scales. The type-specific and global state measures contributed uniquely to outcome prediction, suggesting that both constitute meaningful ways to conceptualize the motivation quality distinction in SDT. We discuss implications for future research and practical applications of the MSS-S.
Purpose Academic procrastination (AP) is a pervasive self-regulatory problem that undermines students’ academic functioning and psychological well-being. This study examined the direct and indirect relationships between growth and fixed mindsets, internal and external locus of control, and AP in sports science students. Method Internal and external locus of control were tested as parallel mediators in separate growth and fixed mindset models. A cross-sectional predictive design was employed with 544 undergraduate sports science students in Eastern Anatolia, Türkiye. Participants completed measures of mindset, locus of control, and AP. Parallel mediation analyses were conducted using PROCESS Macro (Model 4) with 5,000 bootstrap samples, controlling for age and gender. Results The direct effects indicated that a growth mindset was negatively associated with AP, whereas a fixed mindset was positively associated with AP. A growth mindset was positively associated with an internal locus of control and negatively associated with an external locus of control, whereas a fixed mindset was negatively associated with an internal locus of control and positively associated with an external locus of control. An external locus of control was positively associated with AP and significantly mediated the relationships between both mindset dimensions and AP. In contrast, the internal locus of control did not significantly mediate either relationship. Male students reported higher AP levels than female students, and age was negatively associated with AP. Conclusion These findings suggest that an external locus of control is a key behavioral mechanism linking mindset beliefs to AP. Interventions targeting maladaptive external control beliefs may help reduce AP among sports science students.
