Do Learning Approaches Set the Stage for Emotional Well-Being in College Students?

Jesús de la Fuente, Francisco Javier Peralta-Sánchez, José Manuel Martínez-Vicente, Flavia H. Santos, Salvatore Fadda and Martha Leticia Gaeta-González
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Jesús de la Fuente: School of Education and Psychology, University of Navarra, 31009 Pamplona, Spain
Francisco Javier Peralta-Sánchez: School of Psychology, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
José Manuel Martínez-Vicente: School of Psychology, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
Flavia H. Santos: School of Psychology, University College of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Salvatore Fadda: Health Prevention Service, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Martha Leticia Gaeta-González: School of Education, Autonomous Popular University of the State of Puebla (UPAEP), 72410 Puebla, Mexico

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 17, 1-23

Abstract: The research aim of this paper was two-fold: to generate evidence that personality factors are linear predictors of the variable approaches to learning (a relevant cognitive-motivational variable of Educational Psychology); and to show that each type of learning approach differentially predicts positive or negative achievement emotions, in three learning situations: class time, study time, and testing. A total of 658 university students voluntarily completed validated questionnaires referring to these three variables. Using an ex post facto design, we conducted correlational analyses, regression analyses, and multiple structural predictions. The results showed that Conscientiousness is associated with and predicts a Deep Approach to learning, while also predicting positive achievement emotions. By contrast, Neuroticism is associated with and significantly predicts a Surface Approach to learning, as well as negative achievement emotions. There are important psychoeducational implications in the university context, both for prevention and for self-improvement, and for programs that offer psychoeducational guidance.

Keywords: Big Five model; achievement emotions; learning approaches; emotional well-being; university undergraduates (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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