Learning goal orientation and psychological capital among students: A pathway to academic satisfaction and performance

• Published in: Psychology in the schools Vol. 58; no. 7; pp. 1432 - 1445
• Main Authors: Sánchez‐Cardona, Israel, Ortega‐Maldonado, Alberto, Salanova, Marisa, Martínez, Isabel M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley 01.07.2021; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Academic Achievement; academic performance; academic satisfaction; College Students; Goal Orientation; Indirect effects; Learning; learning goal orientation; Path analysis; positive education; psychological capital; Psychological Patterns; Psychological resources; Student Satisfaction; Student Surveys; Well Being
• ISSN: 0033-3085; 1520-6807
• DOI: 10.1002/pits.22505

This study explores the mediating role of psychological capital (PsyCap) in the association between learning goal orientation (LGO), academic satisfaction, and performance among college students. We suggest that PsyCap provides positive psychological resources through which learning‐oriented students sustain the effort in academic achievement situations, contributing to academic satisfaction and performance. Seven hundred and sixty‐eight (n = 768) college students completed an academic well‐being survey, including LGO, PsyCap, and academic satisfaction measures. Academic performance was collected 5 months later from the University academic records of students. Path analysis results showed that LGO was directly related to academic satisfaction and performance and indirectly related through PsyCap. Statistically significant indirect effects showed a partial mediation. These results highlight the importance of positive education through investment in psychological resources to increase performance and satisfaction among college students.