Factors Affecting Motivation
Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy, at its core, is the deeply personal conviction an individual holds regarding their capability to perform the specific behaviors required to achieve desired outcomes. It represents a fundamental level of confidence in one's capacity to not only influence events unfolding around them but also to exert a degree of control over their surrounding environment. Essentially, self-efficacy is a person's intrinsic belief system, a powerful internal compass guiding their actions and aspirations, rooted in their unwavering faith in their own potential for success (Lopez-Garrido, 2025).
Example: A student who believes they are capable of solving difficult math problems is more likely to stay engaged and keep working, even if the problems are challenging.
Contextual Factors
Family, peers and teachers are. the biggest contextual factors in regard to student engagement and motivation.
- The family factor encompasses perceived family support in learning, including homework help, school discussions, and encouragement.
- The teacher factor involves student support, motivation, and trust in teachers.
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Peer support involves students’ perceptions of interpersonal relationships with peers.
Though all three factors affect student motivation and engagement, according to a study published in Frontiers education, family and teachers had a larger impact than peers (Saracostti et al., 2024).
Example: A student may feel more motivated to participate in class when the teacher creates a positive and supportive classroom environment where mistakes are treated as opportunities to learn.
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