Achievement Motivation, Acculturation, and Gender, as Predictors of Psychological Well-being in Asian Indian Students in the U.S

The relationships between two forms of achievement motivation, socially oriented achievement motivation (SOAM) and individually oriented achievement motivation (IOAM), and psychological well-being, moderated by acculturation level and gender, were explored in 232 Asian Indian students in the U.S. Participants were recruited online to answer survey questions, and data were analyzed by hierarchical multiple regressions. Results indicated higher IOAM predicts higher levels of psychological well-being of purpose in life and self-acceptance, while higher SOAM predicts lower levels of self-acceptance. IOAM was found to have a stronger impact on psychological well-being than SOAM. Furthermore, females had higher levels of purpose in life than males did. The study unexpectedly attracted a significant number of international students from India studying in the U.S. but considering India their place of permanent residence. Among these students, those with more traditional cultural values had lower levels of purpose in life. The present study utilized the coexistence model of individualism and collectivism, and findings support the importance of individualism for achievement in Asian Indian culture. Clinical implications are addressed for Asian Indian students feeling pressured by others to achieve and for international students with traditional cultural values adjusting to the U.S. environment.;Keywords: Asian Indian, achievement motivation, SOAM, IOAM, well-being, acculturation...