Structural Model of General Self-Efficacy Based on Emotion Regulation and Self-Regulation with the Mediating Role of Intrinsic Motivation

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the structural model of general self-efficacy based on emotion regulation and self-regulation with the mediating role of intrinsic motivation among university students in Tehran.

Methodology: This study employed a correlational design using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of university students in Tehran during the 2024 academic year, from which 384 participants were selected using multistage cluster random sampling. Data were collected using standardized instruments measuring general self-efficacy, cognitive emotion regulation, self-regulation, and intrinsic motivation, all of which had established validity and reliability in previous studies. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-27 and AMOS-24 software. Structural equation modeling and bootstrapping methods were applied to test the hypothesized relationships and indirect effects.

Findings: The results indicated that the proposed model demonstrated a good fit (RMSEA=0.061, CFI=0.94). Emotion regulation (β=0.19, p<0.001) and self-regulation (β=0.24, p<0.001) had significant direct effects on general self-efficacy. Both emotion regulation (β=0.41, p<0.001) and self-regulation (β=0.47, p<0.001) significantly predicted intrinsic motivation, which in turn had a strong and significant effect on general self-efficacy (β=0.53, p<0.001). Bootstrapping results confirmed that intrinsic motivation played a significant mediating role in the relationships between predictor variables and general self-efficacy.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that self-regulation and emotion regulation influence general self-efficacy both directly and indirectly through intrinsic motivation, highlighting the critical role of intrinsic motivation in enhancing self-efficacy.