Self-efficacy, motivation and stress : a study of employed and unemployed college students

Abstract

This study investigates the effect paid employment has on a student’s level of perceived stress, general self-efficacy and academic motivation. The study also looks at the relationship between these three variables and their joint effect on academic success. 119 students were used in the study. The study is a mixed design. Participants were required to complete three scales (PSS-14, AMSC-28 and GSES). The levels of perceived stress, general self-efficacy and academic motivation were measured for each student and a variety of statistics were carried out. In general the hypotheses are not supported by the results. However, significant findings were reported between mode of education, fee payment and academic motivation. The results suggest a student’s mode of education and method of fee payment significantly influence their motivational orientation.