Doose, Fabian (2025) The Effect of Peer Mentors on Student Motivation: Disentangling the Role of Immediacy, Belongingness, and Need for Relatedness. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
|
Text
Bachelor-ThesisFabian-Doose.pdf Download (963kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Abstract Prior research indicates a connection between mentor behavior and student motivation. This study investigated whether there is a mediating effect of belongingness on the relationship between mentor immediacy and student motivation. Building upon the self-determination theory it was hypothesized that immediacy would foster an atmosphere of belongingness fulfilling the student’s need for relatedness, which then increases the student’s motivation to participate in class and engage with the course material. To explore this connection further, it was hypothesized that a student’s heightened need for relatedness would amplify the effect of immediacy on their sense of belonging. This study investigated a sample of 179 first-year Psychology students who completed an online questionnaire. A moderation-mediation analysis confirmed the proposed mediation effect of belongingness in the relationship between immediacy and student motivation. However, the need for relatedness did not moderate this relationship, suggesting that immediacy behaviors have universal benefits across individual differences. These findings provide valuable insights for designing effective educational interventions, particularly those that enhance group cohesion and student engagement through immediacy-focused mentoring strategies. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of motivational mechanisms in educational settings, by highlighting the importance of belongingness in the interpersonal dynamic between mentors and their student groups. Keywords: Immediacy, Belongingness, Student Motivation, Need for Relatedness, Mentor Behavior, Peer Mentors
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Donofrio, S.M. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 04 Feb 2025 11:17 |
| Last Modified: | 04 Feb 2025 11:17 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4590 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |