Motivational Factors Are Varying across Age Groups and Gender

Hermundur Sigmundsson, Monika Haga, Magdalena Elnes, Benjamin Holen Dybendal and Fanny Hermundsdottir
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Hermundur Sigmundsson: Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
Monika Haga: Department of Teacher Education, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
Magdalena Elnes: Department of Primary and Secondary Teacher Education, OsloMet—Oslo Metropolitan University, 0167 Oslo, Norway
Benjamin Holen Dybendal: Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
Fanny Hermundsdottir: Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-13

Abstract: The aim of the current study was to explore differences in passion for achievement, grit, and mindset across age and gender, by using a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 1548 participants including 931 females and 617 males aged from 13 to 77 years (Mage 26.53 years, SD = 11.77). The eight-item Passion for Achievement Scale was used to assess general passion and the Grit-S scale was used to assess grit. Mindset was assessed using the eight-item Theories of Intelligence Scale (TIS). The results indicated significant differences between the three factors related to age, age groups, and gender. For the total sample, there was a significant gender difference in passion, where males score higher, and growth mindset, where females score higher. With age, passion decreases until the age of 50–59, and slightly increases for the remaining age groups. After a decrease in grit between the first (13–19 years) and the second (20–29 years) age group, grit increases with age. Mindset scores decline strongly after the age of 40–49. Generally, the patterns show that mindset and passion decrease across the life-span, while grit increases. Indeed, these attributes seems to be different from each other, and how they change varies across age groups.

Keywords: passion; grit; mindset; life-span development; cross-sectional (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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