Predictors of Approach/Avoidance Achievement Goals: Personality Traits, Self-Esteem and Academic Self-Efficacy

Abstract

This study aims to examine approach -avoidance achievement goals, five-factor personality traits, self-esteem and academic beliefs within a scope of a model. The study used a relational survey model; the sample group consisted of 513 students (189 male and 324 female) enrolled in the Faculty of Education at Gazi University. Students in this sample groups had different demographic features and were from different classrooms. Research data were obtained using the “Achievement Goals Scales,” “Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale,” “Five-Factor Personality Scale” and “Academic Self-Efficacy Scale.” Path analysis modeling was used to test the hypothesis models. It was found that students’ approach and avoidance achievement goals are explained by cause-effect relationship with personality traits, self-esteem and self-efficacy belief. In this study, it was found that self-efficacy belief and self-esteem are the most important variables that predict approach achievement goals and avoidance achievement goals, respectively. The research results were compared to and discussed with regard to the relevant literature. © 2014 IOJES. All rights reserved