Self-regulation of motivation in university students – a longitudinal study of interindividual differences and intraindividual trajectories

Research on the self-regulation of motivation within the SRL framework has recently undergone significant advancements, underlining both the relevance and complexity of motivational regulation processes. However, prior studies seldom accounted for distinct motivational regulation constructs, their predictors, or developmental patterns over time. This longitudinal study, covering several semesters of university education, focused on the intraindividual trajectories and relevant predictors of interindividual differences in students' ( N t1 = 922) self-efficacy for motivational regulation and frequency of use of motivational regulation strategies (overall and specific strategies). Results of latent growth curve modeling revealed unique developmental patterns in these constructs and unique associations of their initial levels and trajectories with cognitive and achievement-related, personality-related, and socio-demographic variables. Overall, conscientiousness was the most robust and powerful predictor of motivational regulation processes. Furthermore, lower-achieving students, more neurotic students, males, and first-generation students may especially benefit from individualized support programs to improve their motivational regulation skills. Educational relevance statement This longitudinal research provides novel insights into the complexity of motivational regulation processes in university students. Our findings indicate that self-efficacy for motivational regulation and frequency of use of different motivational regulation strategies unfold uniquely over time. Furthermore, their initial levels and developmental patterns are affected to a different extent by student background characteristics such as cognitive ability, prior academic achievement, personality factors, gender, and university generational status. These results underline the importance of empirically considering distinct motivational regulation components and may help provide more optimal support for specific groups of students.