Motivational Systems Research Articles

Deciphering the Neural Effects of Emotional, Motivational, and Cognitive Challenges on Inhibitory Control Processes.

Converging lines of research indicate that inhibitory control is likely to be compromised in contexts that place competing demands on emotional, motivational, and cognitive systems, potentially leading to damaging impulsive behavior. The objective of this study was to identify the neural impact of three challenging contexts that typically compromise self-regulation and weaken impulse control. Participants included 66 healthy adults (M/SDage = 29.82/10.21 years old, 63.6% female) who were free of psychiatric disorders and psychotropic medication use. Participants completed a set of novel Go/NoGo (GNG) paradigms in the scanner, which manipulated contextual factors to induce (i) aversive emotions, (ii) appetitive drive, or (iii) concurrent working memory load. Voxelwise analysis of neural activation during each of these tasks was compared to that of a neutral GNG task. Findings revealed differential inhibition-related activation in the aversive emotions and appetitive drive GNG tasks relative to the neutral task in frontal, parietal and temporal cortices, suggesting emotional and motivational contexts may suppress activation of these cortical regions during inhibitory control. In contrast, the GNG task with a concurrent working memory load showed widespread increased activation across the cortex compared to the neutral task, indicative of enhanced recruitment of executive control regions. Results suggest the neural circuitry recruited for inhibitory control varies depending on the concomitant emotional, motivational, and cognitive demands of a given context. This battery of GNG tasks can be used by researchers interested in studying unique patterns of neural activation associated with inhibitory control across three clinically relevant contexts that challenge self-regulation and confer risk for impulsive behavior.

Chain-mediated effect of physical activity between Chinese language-based L2 motivational self-system and intended effort

The L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS) determines an individual’s motivation in second language learning and influences the learning experience and intended effort. Although physical activity (PA) has been shown to enhance academic efficacy, the role of PA in whether it promotes second language learning efficacy has not been elucidated. Therefore, the present study examined PA as a mediator and explored its ameliorative effects in L2MSS. A total of 981 international students from different countries were selected from 8 universities in Beijing as research subjects and were surveyed by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), L2MSS, Learning Experience Scale, and Intended Effort Scale. Differences, correlations, and mediated model were analyzed by ANOVA, Pearson, and structural equation modeling (SEM). The proportions of PA in this study were comparable to those observed in previous studies, with the lowest prevalence of individuals exhibiting high levels of PA, followed by those with medium levels, and the highest prevalence of individuals with low levels. With the exception of ideal L2 self, PA had a significant enhancing effect on L2MSS, learning experience, and intended effort (F = 2.36, η²=0.05, ; F = 3.16, η²=0.04, ; F = 2.33, η²=0.05; P < 0.05), and was incrementally associated with ought-to l2 self, endeavor degree, and time spent (F = 4.23, η²=0.05, ; F = 7.21, η²=0.04, ; F = 5.93, η²=0.03; P < 0.01). In terms of correlations, there were general and significant positive correlations between PA and the rest of the indicators (r > 0.3, P < 0.05), except for learning desire and ought-to L2 self (r = 0.293). According to the SEM test, in addition to the direct effect of L2MSS on intended effort, the following paths existed: (1) ILS→PA→IE (effect=-0.265, ratio = 31.28%, 95%CI=[0.124, 0.527]), (2) OLS→PA→IE (effect = 0.179, ratio = 17.94%, 95%CI=[0.074, 0.256]), (3) ILS→PA→LE→IE (effect = 0.116, ratio = 10.69%, 95%CI=[0.042, 0.248]), (4) OLS→PA→LE→IE (effect = 0.108, ratio = 4.15%, 95%CI=[0.039, 0.126]). total indirect effect为0.304 (ratio = 59.61%, 95%CI=[0.069, 0.289]). (1) PA had an ameliorative effect on L2MSS, learning experience, and intended effort, and increasing PA level increased the significance of this effect. (2) PA level positively predicts L2MSS, learning experience, and intended effort. (3) PA is an important mediator in the process of L2MSS that influences the learning experience and intended effort, so MPA at least 3 days a week can increase the efficiency of second language learning. This study will provide a referable predictive model and a richer theoretical foundation for Chinese language learning and dissemination.

Association Between Early Childhood P300 Deficits and Risk for Preadolescence Depressive Disorder Mediated by Responsiveness to PCIT-ED Treatment.

Preschool-onset major depressive disorder (PO-MDD) is an impairing pediatric mental health disorder that impacts children as young as three years old. There is limited work dedicated to uncovering neural measures of this early childhood disorder which could be leveraged to further understand both treatment responsiveness and future depression risk. Event-related potentials (ERPs) such as the P300 have been employed extensively in adult populations to examine depression-related deficits in cognitive and motivational systems. Few studies examine the prospective relationships between depression and P300, especially in young children. Moreover, limited research examines the relationship between P300 with psychotherapy treatment responsiveness in youths. The current study sought to examine the prospective relationships between pre-intervention P300 (i.e., choice-locked) elicited from the doors task in depressed preschool children (i.e., PO-MDD; ages 3-to-6) with reductions in depressive symptoms after completing an 18-week long dyadic psychotherapy intervention (n = 59). We also explored relations to risk for depression assessed at a follow-up visit during preadolescence (ages 8-to-12; n = 82). Those with PO-MDD exhibiting reduced choice (doors)-locked P300 demonstrated worse treatment response to psychotherapy and were more likely to meet criteria for depression during preadolescence. Moreover, the relationship between pre-intervention P300 and later preadolescence depression was significantly mediated by response to treatment. These findings suggest that deficits in brain systems linked to the choice-locked P300 component (i.e., cognitive and motivational) might be indicative of non-responsiveness to early dyadic psychotherapeutic intervention efforts for depression which impacts risk for recurrent patterns of depression in youths.

Posture, Competitiveness, and Motivation of Korean Language Learners: A Mixed‐Methods Study

ABSTRACTTaking Dörnyei's (2005) L2 motivational self system as the theoretical framework, this study investigates the relationships between Korean language learners’ attitudes toward the L2 community, competitiveness, and motivation. Using a mixed‐methods design, data were collected from an anonymous online questionnaire survey with 967 Korean major students at Chinese universities and post‐survey interviews with 17 participants from the survey. The results suggested that the extent to which learners relate themselves to the Korean‐speaking community played a crucial role in the development of their ideal L2 selves. An intercultural friendship orientation, an intergroup approach‐avoidance tendency, and an interest in Korea‐related affairs contributed to an enjoyable learning experience. The increased interest in Korea‐related affairs and competitiveness enhanced learners’ ought‐to L2 selves, while a greater interest in Korea‐related vocations and activities reduced their concern about the expectations of others. These findings provide insights into the motivation to learn the Korean language and thus have pedagogical implications for enhancing learners’ motivation to learn languages other than English in higher education institutions.

The Motivational Paths to Self-Regulated Language Learning: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Successful second language (L2) acquisition demands effective self-regulated language learning (SRLL), often influenced by students’ motivation. Through structural equation modeling, the present study explored the relationships between the L2 motivational self system (L2MSS) components, including the ideal L2 self, English learning experience, ought-to L2 self, and SRLL. To this end, 613 high school English language learners completed the L2MSS questionnaire designed by Taguchi et al. (2009) and an SRLL questionnaire developed by Salehi and Jafari (2015). Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships between the ideal L2 self, English learning experience, and all SRLL subscales. Much lower but statistically significant correlations were also found between the ought-to L2 self and SRLL constituents. The structural models revealed that both the ideal L2 self and English learning experience can significantly contribute to the affective, (meta)cognitive, and behavioral aspects of SRLL through intrinsic motivation (IM). Nevertheless, the ought-to L2 self was revealed to have negligible effects on all variables. The results emphasize the mediating role of IM in a motivational model depicting the paths to SRLL. The study concludes with a discussion of implications for language learning and teaching.

INDUSTRY ANALYSIS OF EMPLOYER BRAND AND COMPENSATION SYSTEM: INFLUENCING FACTORS AND TOOLS

The article examines the relevance of building a strong employer brand in the context of attracting and retaining qualified employees, as well as its relationship with compensation systems. A compensation package includes not only wages but also additional benefits, bonuses, social guarantees, and other perks that create value for employees. Furthermore, employees value not only the material aspects but also the non-material ones, such as opportunities for career growth, professional development, company culture, and more. It is equally important for employees to have the opportunity to realize their personal lives, which implies maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Therefore, when evaluating a compensation package, whether by current or potential employees, it is necessary to consider factors such as “income” (material aspects), “time” (working time considerations), and “quality” (non-material aspects), which form the elements of a triple constraint. The article assesses the impact of various aspects of compensation policies (financial and non-material incentives) on employee motivation, performance, and loyalty to the company. Special attention is given to analyzing industry-specific differences in building compensation packages, as well as examining the ranking of Ukraine's leading employers based on 2024 data. The study reveals that most companies included in the ranking offer their employees not only a high level of wages but also demonstrate care for their professional development and health. As a result, development and training programs and medical insurance are essential components of a compensation package. Companies with the necessary technical capabilities provide their employees with hybrid or flexible work formats, particularly in the financial and IT sectors. In companies where this is not feasible, employers often provide meals for employees, a common practice in the FMCG sector. For retail companies, employee discounts on products are an integral part of the compensation system. Thus, compensation policies should be designed considering employees' needs for material rewards, professional development, health care, and work-life balance. The research findings can be used to improve motivation systems in enterprises across various industries and to strengthen employer branding.

A model to understand risk behavior: interoception awareness and motivational systems in the binge watching.

A model to understand risk behavior: interoception awareness and motivational systems in the binge watching.

What sustain Chinese adult second language (L2) learners' engagement in online classes? A sequential mix-methods study on the roles of L2 motivation and enjoyment.

Recent research has integrated positive psychology with the Second Language Motivational Self System (L2MMS) to explore how enjoyment, L2 self-guides (including ideal L2 self and ought-to L2 self), and engagement interact among school-aged second-language (L2) learners. However, there is a significant gap in understanding these dynamics among adult learners, particularly those who primarily learn a second language online-a group that has been largely overlooked. To address this gap, our study examined the underlying mechanisms connecting these constructs. We employed a sequential mixed-methods approach with 367 adult L2 learners enrolled in online language courses at three universities in China. Quantitative data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with Amos 24, revealing several key findings. Enjoyment was found to directly and positively predict engagement. However, contrary to existing literature, ideal L2 self did not directly predict either enjoyment or engagement. In contrast, ought-to L2 self directly and positively predicted both enjoyment and engagement, and it indirectly influenced engagement through enjoyment. Qualitative data, gathered through semi-structured interviews with five participants and analyzed using MAXQDA 2022, provided deeper insights into these statistical trends. This study concludes by discussing its implications and suggesting directions for future research.

Pedagogical Factors of Choosing A Profession and Preparing Students for Military Service at Military Academic Lyceum Of «Temurbeklar Maktabi»

This article describes the pedagogical factors of choosing a military profession and preparing teenagers for military service in military academic lyceums. There was expressed the importance of activities aimed at the formation of the motivational factors and value system for teenagers. Information was performed on the organizational and pedagogical conditions that ensure the effective formation of cognitive, personal, motivational, functional and activity readiness for military-professional education and specific military specialization.

КӘСІПОРЫННЫҢ ЫНТАЛАНДЫРУ ЖҮЙЕСІНІҢ ҚЫЗМЕТКЕРДІҢ МАНСАПТЫҚ ӨСУІНЕ ӘСЕРІН ТАЛДАУ

Abstract. In the contemporary landscape, organizations are placing significant emphasis on motivating and developing their employees in order to remain competitive and achieve their strategic objectives. A well-designed motivation system not only ensures employees perform effectively within the organization but also enhances their motivation for professional advancement. The aim of this research is to identify the correlation between the motivation system at a leading oil and gas enterprise in Aktobe and employees' career progression, as well as its impact on their work motivation. To accomplish this objective, efforts were made to study the human resource management system within the enterprise, ascertain the influence of motivation on the work process, and analyze the effects of incentives on career management. A survey method was employed for data collection in this research. To ensure access to reliable information, the survey was designed anonymously and distributed electronically. Despite the challenges posed by heavy workloads, time constraints, and employees' limited proficiency with modern devices, feedback was obtained from a total of 187 employees. Using the results of this survey, the SPSS Statistics program was utilized to establish the connection between the organization's motivation system and employees' career advancement. Additionally, the study revealed a significant impact of the organization's motivation system on employees' motivation towards work. Recommendations for improving the enterprise’s motivation system and increasing employee motivation to work are also proposed. Keywords: human resource management, motivation, career advancement, motivation system, enterprise

Management of the Motivation System of University Teachers in the Republic of Kazakhstan Under Modern Conditions

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this article is to analyze the system of motivation of scientific and pedagogical workers, which operates today in universities, to assess the satisfaction of teachers with the current motivation system that exists in the university and, based on the results of the analysis and evaluation, to formulate recommendations that will be aimed at improving the motivation system of teaching staff in universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The following methods were used in the study: synthesis, comparison, economic and statistical analysis, generalization and interpretation of the results obtained, and graphical representation of data. The data of the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the results of an Internet survey conducted on the Google Forms platform were used as a source of statistical information. The results of the study are as follows: the dynamics of the number of teachers in the country has been studied, the analysis of the system of labor motivation in universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan has been carried out, and recommendations aimed at improvement have been formulated. The practical significance of this study is determined by the fact that the proposed recommendations can be the basis for the development of a new system of motivation in universities.

МОТИВАЦИЯ ТРУДА ПЕРСОНАЛА В УСЛОВИЯХ ЦИФРОВИЗАЦИИ: ХОЛИСТИЧЕСКИЙ ПОДХОД

Employee engagement has always been and remains a key factor determining the development of any organization, regardless of its size, form of ownership, complexity, and operating conditions. The proposed article is devoted to the relationship between the factors of employee motivation with different levels of qualification and job title with the development of digitalization, especially artificial intelligence, as well as their impact on the efficiency of the company. A methodology for holistic assessment of the motivational level of a company is proposed based on determining the degree of consistency of the main interests of employees, mutual support of their goals and the company's mission, as well as the team's commitment to self-development to achieve the strategic goals of the company. Problem areas in the motivational system of a specific organization are identified, among which the following must be highlighted: partial imbalance between the main goals and mission of the company; the need to integrate motivational incentives around such indicators as growth in service volumes, increased collection of payments for services rendered and customer satisfaction with the quality and timeliness of services rendered, etc. To improve the motivational system, various measures are recommended to improve the motivational system of the company, as well as improvement in the direction of integrating the value system of the team of key employees using artificial intelligence.

Child care and Disease avoidance: exploring motivational systems trade-offs

Individuals responsible for child care are consistently exposed to children’s excretion pathogens, yet they must still take care of their children, especially when the children are infected. Our objective was to investigate whether exposure to infected infants would negatively impact people’s emotions towards cute babies, and vice-versa. Moreover, as cooperative breeding is a hallmark of our species, we also explored whether this response would differ between child carers and non-child carers. In two studies, 128 participants rated how much disgust they felt (disgust score) when watching 10 pictures of infected babies after viewing cute babies or furniture pictures (study1) and how much tenderness they felt (tenderness score) when watching 10 pictures of cute babies after viewing infected babies or furniture pictures (study 2). Priming participants with pictures of cute babies did not significantly impact their disgust response towards infected children. In contrast, priming with infected babies led to a reduction in tenderness felt towards cute babies, but only for non-carers. This result is consistent with the possibility that child carers desensitize themselves through exposure or that people less prone to disgust when exposed to pathogens related to caregiving situations invest more in child care.

Система управления профессиональным развитием НПР на основе мотивации их научной активности

Most universities in the world use a motivational model in which research and teaching staff (R&amp;P) receive degrees and titles necessary for career growth. However, objective (lack of vacancies, lack of finances) and subjective (lack of interest in research) factors can slow down their professional development. World practice shows that subjective factors can be minimized by introducing effective motivation systems for research assistants, focused on conducting high-quality research that contributes to career growth. The article presents an improved system for managing the professional growth of academic staff at universities in the Republic of Kazakhstan, based on the motivation of their scientific activity. An important criterion is documents confirming the implementation of scientific developments, such as funding agreements, joint projects and publications with practitioners. A methodology for assessing the activities of academic staff and university departments is proposed, which allows us to develop a flexible list of activities to stimulate their qualifications. This creates a synergistic effect that helps increase the professionalism and productivity of the research team.

Tysk som tillægskompetence – lærendes motivation, behov og erfaringer

This study explores how L2 learners of German as an Additional Competence (GAC) reflect on motivation, needs, expectations, experiences, and persistence. GAC is a new initiative that was launched in 2022 at Aalborg University, supported by a special budget from the Danish Ministry of Education and Research for boosting German and French language skills in higher education in Denmark. At Aalborg University, GAC is offered as courses outside of the academic curricula and ECTS system. To evaluate and further develop this new initiative, we have conducted 14 semi-structured interviews with course participants to inquire about their motivation, needs, expectations, and experiences. Theoretically and methodologically, the study is based on Dörnyei’s (2005) model of Motivational Self System in second language (L2) acquisition, the concept of target needs by Hutchinson and Waters (1987), Unger’s (2022) study of narrative constructions of needs in foreign language teaching, and Tinto’s (2020) concept of persistence, involving self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and perception of curriculum. The study provides insights into a broad variety of motivational factors, needs, persistence, and experiences from both previous German language learning and the GAC-courses. The findings of the study point towards both career-strategic and personal goals as key factors for the motivation of the participants. Moreover, their perceived needs focus on the enhancement of practical language skills. Accordingly, most participants expect the courses to allow for extensive training and practical exercises. Also, an informal and safe atmosphere to overcome a fear of speaking and making mistakes are desirable and form a contrast to the participants’ prior learning experiences, and it seems that participants need both academical and social support in their learning.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MOTIVATION AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO RESILIENCE IN KAZAKHSTANI PARALYMPIC ATHLETES

Paralympic sport enables people with disabilities to significantly develop their functional abilities, improving their opportunities for full personal development and social integration. One of the main challenges for athletes is maintaining their internal motivation for sport and withstanding the stress and difficulties throughout the preparation and competition period. The relationship between resilience and motivation in the context of Paralympic sports is paramount for this group of athletes. The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of motivation and its relationship with resilience in Paralympic athletes. The study was conducted on the grounds of the Federation of Paralympic Sports of Kokchetav, Shymkent, Taraz. Sixty Paralympic athletes participated in the study. The methodology of the study included: 1) Methodology to study the motives for sports activity of V.I. 2) Motives for Sports Activity (MSA) questionnaire by E. I. Tropnikov. А. E. Kalinin’s Motives for Motivation Test; S. Maddy, adaptation of D. А. Leontiev and E. I. Raskazova. The results revealed the motivation and resilience of Paralympic athletes, depending on gender and level of sports qualification. It was found that control and the integral indicator of resilience act as key constructs within the motivational system of Paralympic athletes

Empirical Study of L2 Motivation and Motivational Learning Behaviors among College Students in English for Medicine Class

This study examines the relationship between L2 motivation and motivational learning behaviors among college students enrolled in an English for Medicine course at a university in Zhejiang, China. It aims to help language teachers gain a deeper understanding of the relationship among constructs in the L2 Motivational Self System and how constructs like the Ideal L2 Self, Ought-to L2 Self, and Second Language Learning Experience influence students’ motivational learning behaviors using the L2 Motivational Self System framework. Eighty medical students were included as a sample, and a structured questionnaire was used to gather the quantitative data. Through a quantitative analysis, it is found that the students’ motivational learning behaviors are significantly predicted by both L2 motivation and Second Language Learning Experience, with a moderate influence from the Ideal L2 Self. Additionally, the Ought-to L2 Self had less impact on the students’ learning behaviors. The findings show that fostering intrinsic motivation and providing a supportive learning environment is necessary to improve students’ engagement and effort in English for medicine courses.

ANALYSIS OF POSSIBILITIES OF INTEGRATION OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN PERSONNEL MOTIVATION INTO THE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF UKRAINIAN ENTERPRISES

One of the most important elements of increasing the competitiveness of an enterprise is the effective use of its labor resources, i.e. the labor of personnel. Accordingly, the management mechanism will be effective only if an optimal model of personnel motivation is implemented with a reward system and individual approaches, which will stimulate each employee to achieve both personal goals and the goals of the enterprise, which is an important strategic process that integrates psychological, social and economic factors to ensure its sustainable development. The purpose of the article is to study the possibility of integrating international experience in personnel motivation into the management system of Ukrainian enterprises. The article presents a study of the features of the formation of the motivational system of Ukrainian enterprises using the example of LLC "Ukrmolproduct". Based on the results of the employee survey, the advantages and disadvantages of the current motivational system of the specified enterprise were identified, the key factors affecting employee motivation were analyzed, the relationship between financial performance indicators, the enterprise's personnel costs and labor productivity were studied, conclusions were drawn and recommendations were developed to improve the functioning of this system. An analysis of the possibilities of integrating international experience in motivating personnel into the management system of Ukrainian enterprises was conducted. For this purpose, the enterprise's motivational system was structured into component elements, they were studied using the example of LLC "Ukrmolproduct" and measures were selected to increase the effectiveness of each of these elements, considering the specifics of the activities of Ukrainian enterprises in difficult war conditions. The introduction of international experience into the motivational systems of enterprises in Ukraine can significantly increase their attractiveness for employees, which ensures more efficient use of human resources and increased productivity of their labor.

COMPETITIVENESS FACTORS IN THE PERSONNEL POLICY OF THE LATGALE DISTRICT COURT

Purpose and aim of the study: to assess factors in the competitiveness of the personnel policy implemented by the Latgale District Court and provide solutions to the enhancement.Design / Methodology / Approach: The research employed the monographic and descriptive methods, document content analysis and conducted an unstructured interview with an assistant to the chairperson of the Latgale District Court. The research also conducted a survey of employees to identify competitiveness factors relating to the internal strengths of and strategic potential for the Latgale District Court and the degree of significance of the competitiveness factors; the expert method and Kendall's W were applied to determine the consistency of expert opinions. Main Findings: The results of the Latgale District Court personnel survey revealed that the remuneration and motivation system, the culture and wellbeing at the organization, and leadership aspects were important factors for the employees. The system of social guarantees provided by the Latgale District Court had been developed in detail, including additional leave, holiday allowances, health insurance, optical vision aids, employer-paid compulsory health check-ups, as well as various benefits. The most important factors in the competitiveness of human resource (HR) policy identified by the expert survey were as follows: stability and sustainability of the job, availability of modern technological equipment, the motivation system, including social guarantees, and the remuneration system, personnel selection and recruitment, the working environment and the organizational culture.Originality: a competitiveness analysis of the personnel policy implemented by the Latgale District Court was conducted for the first time, thereby revealing strengths, neutrals and weaknesses in the personnel policy. Implications: The present research revealed that the personnel policy implemented by the Latgale District Court was competitive; however, there are also aspects that need to be improved to ensure the efficient performance and long-term development of the court.

L2 Motivational Self System and Its Impact on English Learning Efforts in Vietnamese EFL Context

L2 Motivational Self System and Its Impact on English Learning Efforts in Vietnamese EFL Context