Relationship of Perfectionism and Anxiety Sensitivity with Academic Motivation in University Students

Abstract

Background: Academic motivation is a very important issue in university students. Studies have revealed the relationship of academic motivation with perfectionism and anxiety sensitivity. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the predictability of academic motivation based on perfectionism and anxiety sensitivity in university students. Methods: In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, 425 students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences were randomly evaluated by three questionnaires in 2018 - 19: Inventory of school motivation, the positive and negative perfectionism scale and anxiety sensitivity index-revised. Cluster sampling was used to randomly select 60 students from each faculty. Results: Anxiety sensitivity and academic motivation were significantly different between male and female students (P < 0.05) but perfectionism was not (P > 0.05). The highest correlation between the components of anxiety and academic motivation related to fear of cognitive symptoms while the lowest correlation related to fear of physical symptoms. Anxiety sensitivity had a greater impact and higher ability to explain the variability of academic motivation than perfectionism. Conclusions: The findings of this study supported the ability to predict academic motivation based on anxiety sensitivity and perfectionism. As a result, this study could help design and implement interventions to improve parenting and increase academic motivation of students. The study’s implications are discussed.