A Meta-Analysis of the Relations Between Achievement Goals and Internalizing Problems

Abstract

This systematic meta-analytic review investigated the relations between achievement goals and internalizing symptoms and disorders, namely, anxiety and depression. The number of samples for each focal relationship ranged from 3 to 36. The results indicated significant effect sizes for the relations between mastery-approach goals and anxiety (r = − .10) and depression (r = − .18), as well as performance-avoidance goals and anxiety (r = .25) and depression (r = .16). A significant effect size was also found for the relation between performance-approach goals and anxiety (r = .15), and a non-significant effect size was observed for the relation between performance-approach goals and depression (r = .05). Mastery-avoidance goals were not significantly related to either anxiety (r = .08) or depression (r = − .13). Several moderators representing the conceptualization of achievement goals (e.g., theoretical model), sample characteristics (e.g., education level), and methodology- and publication-based characteristics (e.g., year of publication) were significant, and suggested avenues for future research. These findings herein have implications for intervention programs that could focus on reducing the links between achievement goals and internalizing problems.