Abstract
This chapter investigates the profound impact of fear of failure on academic motivation and engagement among higher education students. Despite its significance, fear of failure remains underexplored in educational literature. Using self-report instruments, data were collected and analysed through structural equation modelling. Findings reveal that fear of failure significantly influences academic motivation and engagement, exhibiting both direct and indirect effects. While fear negatively affects performance and participation, it can indirectly enhance these aspects for extrinsically motivated students, underscoring the importance of extrinsic motivation. Cluster analysis identified distinct student profiles based on their levels of fear and motivation, establishing a positive correlation between fear of failure and extrinsic motivation. The chapter concludes with practical implications, emphasising the necessity for educators to recognise and address the complexities surrounding fear of failure in the learning environment, ultimately fostering a more supportive academic experience.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Motivating Engagement, Belonging, and Success in Higher Education Student Experience |
| Editors | Caroline M. Crawford, Taylor Gee |
| Publisher | IGI Global Scientific Publishing |
| ISBN (Print) | 9798369380901, 051024101159 |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 3 Jan 2025 |
Keywords
- Academic motivation
- structural equation modeling
- cluster analysis
- student engagement
- higher education