Willy Lens

Moving the Achievement Goal Approach One Step Forward: Toward a Systematic Examination of the Autonomous and Controlled Reasons Underlying Achievement Goals.

An important recent development in the achievement goal literature is to define achievement goals strictly as aims. In this overview, we argue that this restrictive definition of achievement goals paves the way for a systematic consideration of the autonomous and controlled reasons underlying individuals’ achievement goals, a distinction central to self-determination theory. To stimulate work in this area, we formulated five propositions, arguing that consideration of the “why” (i.e., type of reasons) in addition to the “what” (i.e., type of aims) of achievement goals (a) provides an account for the regulatory basis of achievement goals, (b) opens the door for other motivation theories to be linked to the achievement goal literature, (c) matters in terms of predicting outcomes, (d) allows for a richer account of contextual forces influencing motivation, and (e) sets the stage for an enriched hierarchical model of achievement motivation. In closing, we discuss various future research directions.

The Motivational Properties of Future Time Perspective Future Orientation: Different Approaches, Different Cultures

This chapter has three parts. The first two present two approaches, which although developed independently, share thematic and motivational properties: future time perspective (FTP) (Lens) and future orientation (FO) (Seginer). Of the rich FTP conceptualization and research the chapter addresses extension and the content of future-set goals, particularly relating to intrinsic and extrinsic goals and autonomous vs. controlled motivation. Drawing on empirical research, it emphasizes that extrinsic goals may also have qualities of autonomous motivation. A concluding comment relates to the past and present motivational properties. The FO approach is a domain-specific, three-component model by which the cognitive representation of the future is preceded by motivational forces and results in behavioral outcomes, also affected by the motivational forces. It is empirically fit for gender, age, and cultural groups. An extended model including interpersonal antecedents and developmental outcomes is domain by culture specific. The third part aligns the two, indicating commonalities, complementarities, and continued research.

The relationship between future time perspective, self-efficacy and risky sexual behaviour in the Black youth of central South Africa

Abstract Background: An interest exists in understanding why adolescents partake in risky sexual behaviours, as well as the risk and protective practices associated with risky sexual behaviour. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the moderator effect of future time perspective in the relationship between self-efficacy and risky sexual behaviour. Methods: A random cluster consisting of 467 learners from English medium high schools of central South Africa participated in this study. The participants’ risky sexual behaviour, self-efficacy and future time perspective were measured with the Perceptions of HIV/AIDS Risk Survey, Generalised Perceived Self-efficacy Scale and the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, respectively. Product term regression analysis was performed. Results: It was found that both self-efficacy and future time perspective were negatively related to risky sexual behaviour. No moderating effect was found for future time perspective in the relationship between self-efficacy and risky sexual behaviour. Conclusions: Self-efficacy and future time perspective were identified as qualities that protect adolescents from engaging in risky sexual behaviours. This finding can be useful in developing prevention programmes. Intervention programmes aimed at the youth should foster a sense of hope and possibility about the future and the development of goals and aspirations to prevent risky behaviour.