Author: Ammarah Qureshi
Supervisor: Dr. Iram Fatima
Degree: M.phil
Year: 2011-2013
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The present research aimed to explore the predictors of persistence for long term and short term goals in high school children. Two studies were conducted. In study I, perfectionism, attributional styles and self-efficacy were studied as possible predictors of persistence for long term goals. The Almost Perfect Scale (Slaney, Rice, Mobley, Trippi, & Ashby, 2001), Attribution of Problem Cause and Solution Scale (Stepleman, Darcy, & Tracey, 2005), General Self-efficacy Scale (Schwarzer, & Jerusalem, 1995) were used for assessment of predictor variables and Grit Scale: Perseverance and Passion for Long-Term Goals (Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly 2007) was used to measure persistence for long term goals. Results showed none of the dimensions of perfectionism predicted persistence for long term goals (consistency of interest and perseverance of effort) both in boys and girls. Among attributional styles only internal problem cause was found to be positive predictor of consistency of interest in boys. Self-efficacy negatively predicted only one aspect of persistence for long term goals, perseverance of effort. Second study was experimental study in which persistence for short term goals was assessed through an experiment and effect of feedback was examined. Relationship was assessed between perfectionism, attributional styles, and self-efficacy with persistence for short term goals. Results showed that feedback had no effect on persistence in both boys and girls. Neither any dimension of perfectionism nor self-efficacy predicted persistence for short term goals both in girls and boys. Among attributional styles, internal and external problem cause positively predicted persistence in girls, while in boys, external problem solution negatively predicted persistence. Study has implications for teachers and parents of the students to help children develop the factors that enhance persistence.
Keywords: Persistence, Feedback, Attributional Styles, Perfectionism, Self-Efficacy.
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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
