Students’ Motivation in Learning: The Effects of Parents’ Involvement and Students’ Self-determination during the Period of Career Decision Making

[Purpose] In this study we examined the relationship among physical therapy students’ motivation in learning, parents’ involvement during the period of career decision making and students’ self-determination in course selection. [Subjects] The subjects were one hundred seventy-seven physical therapy students. [Method] We performed a survey of the students using the motivation style scale, self-determined course selection scale and scales of communication with parents about their career decision making. [Results] The main results were as follows. Students’ motivation in learning significantly correlated with self-determination in the course selection. Supportive types and mutual-negotiation types had significantly higher self-determination in the course selection and identified regulation than parent-led types. [Conclusion] We conclude that parents’ involvement such as encouraging and making clear difference of opinion during the period of career decision making, influence their children’s higher self-determination in career decision making and motivation in learning.