Academic Motivation of Sexual Minority College Students in South India - The Relationships with Locus of Control, Social Connectedness and Perceived Discrimination

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Sexual minorities, comprising individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, hijra, kothi, and transgender, face discrimination due to their sexual or gender identity (PUCL-K, 2001). Academic motivation, which propels behaviors like effort and persistence in academic pursuits (Deci & Ryan, 1985), was assessed alongside locus of control, representing beliefs concerning control over life events (Rotter, 1966), and social connectedness, indicating interpersonal belongingness (Lee & Robbins, 1998). Perceived discrimination involves experiencing unfair treatment due to sexual orientation or other characteristics (Williams et al., 1997).

Aim: The main aim of this study was to investigate the academic motivation of sexual minority college students in South India and understand its relationship with locus of control, social connectedness, and perceived discrimination.

Methods and material: a cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. A total of 100 sexual minority participants identified through snowball and convenient sampling. Data was collected using socio-demographic sheet, academic motivation scale, Rotter’s locus of control scale, social connectedness scale, and everyday discrimination scale. Participants were explained the objectives of the study and ensured that their participations will be kept anonymous and consent were obtained from the participants.  

Results: it was revealed that locus of control and social connectedness are significantly associated with academic motivation. Pearson correlation findings stated that social connectedness had a positive correlation and perceived discrimination had a negative correlation with academic motivation. Using linear regression, it was found that social connectedness positively predicts academic motivation, while perceived discrimination negatively predicts it.