A dual systems motivational approach to investigating psychological distress among university students

Psychological distress is a serious issue among university students worldwide; a problem linked to poorer academic outcomes and problematic health behaviours. In this research, distinctive profiles detailing the goal appraisals and implicit motives associated with 367 Australian university students' symptoms were developed for five different dimensions of psychological distress. Importantly, these profiles provide insight into the motivational associates of particular distress symptoms prominent among university students. It is anticipated that these findings will better inform interventions targeting both implicit and explicit motivational factors to minimise university students' psychological distress, which will benefit students, their families and their institutions.