The Interplay of Psychological Resilience, Motivation and Decision making in Generation Z Students
Abstract
Generation Z university students experience a rapidly changing educational and social environment characterized by academic demands, technological development, social pressures, career uncertainty, and changing patterns of interpersonal interaction. Psychological resilience, academic motivation, and decision making are important psychological resources that may contribute to students’ adjustment and functioning. The present study examined the relationships among psychological resilience, academic motivation, and decision making among Generation Z university students in Lahore, Pakistan. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed with a sample of 320 university students. Data were collected using the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Academic Motivation Scale (AMS), and Decision-Making Style Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product–moment correlation, multiple regression, independent-samples t tests, and reliability analysis. Psychological resilience was positively associated with academic motivation, r(318) = .48, p < .001, and decision making, r(318) = .55, p < .001. Academic motivation was also positively associated with decision making, r(318) = .46, p < .001. Multiple regression showed that psychological resilience and academic motivation jointly explained 38.8% of the variance in decision making, R² = .388, p < .001. Psychological resilience (β = .43) and academic motivation (β = .27) were significant positive predictors. Gender differences were significant for psychological resilience and decision making but not academic motivation. The findings highlight the interconnected nature of resilience, motivation, and decision making among Generation Z university students and suggest implications for university counseling and student-support programs.
Keywords: Generation Z, psychological resilience, academic motivation, decision making, university students, Pakistan.
