Linking social relatedness with motivational goals and bachelor degree aspirations of vocational students

Abstract

This study conducted in Thailand examined the relationship between measures of social relatedness and motivational goal orientation as well as bachelor degree aspirations of vocational school students. Data were collected from students enrolled in a vocational school near Bangkok (n = 386). The analysis found that teacher support for students was the best predictor of students' adoption of mastery goals, school identification was the best predictor of students' adoption of performance approach goals, and peer involvement was the best predictor of students' adoption of performance avoidance goals. There was a significant interaction between school identification and peer involvement on the intention to pursue a bachelor degree. The researchers interpreted the results in terms of self-determination theory and discussed the implications of students' sense of relatedness to vocational school environment.