Motivational profile, forms of study and university students’ satisfaction with their own life

Abstract

Research centers of several basic and higher level educational institutions have focused on studying the motivational profile in educational environments; the same goes to the analysis of learning approaches and students’ satisfaction with their lives. This study aims to identify motivational profiles, studying methods, and university students’ satisfaction with their lives. This is a descriptive study in regards to its objectives, and quantitative in regards to the approach to the problem, with a cross-sectional, analytical observational design. To evaluate the student motivation, the Situational Motivation Scale (SIMS) was used; while to measure the learning approaches, the instrument used was the Revised Two-Factor Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F); and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) was used to evaluate satisfaction with life. The
motivational profile of students proved to be more self-determined, linked to intrinsic motivation. Study approaches were related to profound motivations, and students proved to be reasonably satisfied with life. Finally, there is a positive correlation between intrinsic motivation, satisfaction with life, and a deep strategy and motive related to the studying approach.