Investigation of the predictor role of self-controlling in academic motivation in high school students: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: The research background shows that self-controlling is a predictor of motivation and academic achievement in adolescence. Despite the importance of self-controlling in predicting academic motivation, no study has been conducted in Iranian society. This study was conducted to investigate the predictor role of self-controlling in adolescent academic motivation. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted during October 2016 to June 2017 in Tehran, Iran. 201 participants from high school students in Tehran were selected using purposive sampling method and were entered into the research process after obtaining informed consent. Data were collected using demographic checklist, structured clinical interview, Snyder's Self-Monitoring Inventory, and Harter's Motivation Scale, and were analyzed by multivariate multiple regression and hierarchical linear regression in SPSS software. RESULTS: Data analysis showed that self-control index positively and significantly predicted academic motivation in high school girl students (P < 0.01, β = 0.198). CONCLUSION: The results of this study, in line with the research background, indicate the predictor role of self-control in adolescent academic motivation. These findings could have clinical applications in designing new educational horizons.