Abstract
This study investigated the indirect and conditional relation between fear of failure and procrastination based on constructs from self-determination theory. Using structural equation modeling to analyze data from 300 university students, we found that the relation between fear of failure and procrastination was moderated by perceived competence. The relation was positively significant for students with low levels of competence and negatively significant for those with high level of competence. However, in the latter group, fear of failure negatively affected satisfaction of the need for autonomy, which in turn increased the likelihood of problematic delay on academic and everyday-life tasks. The results are discussed in relation to the complex interplay of motivational variables related to self-regulatory failure.
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Notes
Using parceling is justified because our goal was not to develop a measure (Bandalos and Finney 2001). Furthermore, using individual items as indicators rather than parceling could result in a large number of indicators since we were using multiple-item scales and testing moderation using a product-indicator method. Defining latent variables based on individual items may also reduce model parsimony, increase non-normality, generate spurious correlations among error terms, and result in lower communalities. We applied the same reasons in electing to use aggregated scores as indicators of other latent variables in this study.
Since we expected a high correlation between competence and autonomy, we did not constrain the model in terms of the factor loading of autonomy.
Comparing modification indices in all models in this study, including the interaction model and multiple-group models (high and low competence), highlighted the effect of adding a free association between the error terms of two subscales of the FF measure (devaluing one’s self-estimate and upsetting important others). Given the content of the items and possible common omitted causes of the two subscales (e.g., low self-worth, authoritarian parenting), it may be plausible to add the covariance. The models with and without the covariance produced similar results and identical conclusions.
Using both product-indicator and multiple-sample methods, we also tested an alternative model where autonomy served as a moderator and competence as mediator. The results did not support the moderating role of autonomy. For details, please contact the first author.
In fact, it appears that there are no systematic studies investigating the stability of FF and the change in the importance of need for autonomy over a long period of time. Therefore, given the composition of our sample, it is still an empirical question whether or not the relation found between FF, satisfactions of self-determination needs, and procrastination is held similarly in younger/older populations as well as in non-academic settings.
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Haghbin, M., McCaffrey, A. & Pychyl, T.A. The Complexity of the Relation between Fear of Failure and Procrastination. J Rat-Emo Cognitive-Behav Ther 30, 249–263 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-012-0153-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-012-0153-9