Impact of Gender, Age, First University Choice, and Residence on Academic Adaptation and Performance Through Academic Motivation A Path Analysis

Introduction: This study investigates the impact of gender, age, first university choice, and place of residence on academic adaptation and performance. It further explores how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation mediate these relationships. Aim: The study assesses how personal characteristics influence academic adaptation and performance, specifically focusing on the mediating roles of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Methods: We employed two path analysis models to analyze the data and explore the relationships between the variables. The models specifically examined the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on academic adaptation and performance as well as how these effects vary based on gender, age, first university choice, and place of residence. Results: The analysis revealed that intrinsic motivation positively impacts academic adaptation and performance, especially among female students and those studying in their first-choice departments. Additionally, we found age to be a significant factor, with younger students demonstrating higher academic outcomes than their older counterparts.