Academic and family conditions associated with intrinsic academic motivation in Japanese medical students: A pilot study

Objective: Intrinsic academic motivation is one of the most important psychological concepts in education, and it is related to academic outcomes in medical students. This study examined the relationships between academic and family conditions and intrinsic academic motivation. Design: Cross-sectional design. Setting: The study group consisted of 120 healthy second-year medical students. Method: Participants completed questionnaires dealing with intrinsic academic motivation, lifestyle factors, academic and family conditions, and academic performance. Results: In the multiple regression analysis (adjusted for age, gender, and lifestyle factors), taking pleasure in school and spending time with family were positively associated with intrinsic academic motivation scores. Conclusion: Pleasure in school and spending time with family are correlated with intrinsic academic motivation among medical students. Good academic and family conditions may contribute to lowering the incidence of and/or increasing the rates of recovery from low intrinsic academic motivation.