Although many theories mention distractions by conflicting alternatives as a problem for self-regulation, motivational conflicts are rarely considered when explaining impairments in learning. In two studies, we investigate the assumption of motivational interference theory that students show different amounts of impairments in learning depending…

Background: Motivational interference is defined as the amount of impairment in a target activity due to the incentives of a non-chosen attractive alternative. The amount to which pupils experience motivational interference while studying or while performing a leisure activity in a school-leisure conflict situation is seen as depending on the…

In a self-report study, students (N = 704, mean age: 13.5 years) were confronted with two scenarios, depicting situations of motivational conflict. They were asked to choose between a school and a leisure activity. A model was tested with value orientations as determinants and successful self-regulation as the consequence of the decision reached…