Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Anthony Perry

Abstract

There is an ongoing need for educational psychologists, researchers, policymakers, educators, and parents to continue to identify and understand the academic and nonacademic factors that influence academic achievement. Recent studies have documented the steady decline in the academic performances of students from Grades 7 to 9. The purpose of this study was to examine the statistical relationship between basic psychological needs satisfaction in relationship with caregivers, mindsets of intelligence, and academic achievement among secondary school students in the Commonwealth of Dominica. This study was grounded in the self-determination theory and mindsets of intelligence theory. A non-experimental correlational design using survey methodology was used for this study. Participants were 143 3rd year secondary school students ages 11 through 15. The participants’ academic achievement, mindsets of intelligence and their basic psychological needs satisfaction in relationship with their caregivers, were measured. The data were analyzed using standard multiple regression. The results of the study found a significant inverse relationship between the relatedness component of psychological needs satisfaction and academic achievement. Additionally, higher mindset of intelligence scores significantly predicted higher scores in math, English, and science in the participants first and second years of secondary school. The positive social change implications of this study may equip policymakers, teachers, and parents with the relevant information needed to design and implement programs aimed at improving the academic achievement of secondary school students

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