Associations between future orientation and motivated learning: the roles of AI self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation among Chinese university students - Report - MDSpire

Associations between future orientation and motivated learning: the roles of AI self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation among Chinese university students

  • By

  • Ying Luo

  • Jianwen Chen

  • Hechen Li

  • Ronghua Zhang

  • July 15, 2026

Share

Links Between Future Orientation and Motivated Learning in Chinese Students

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between future orientation, AI self-efficacy, and intrinsic motivation in university students, revealing a significant positive association with motivated learning.

Background

Understanding the factors that influence motivated learning is crucial in higher education, especially as AI technologies become more prevalent. Future orientation may play a role in academic engagement.

Data Highlights

MeasureEffect Size
Future Orientation to Motivated Learningβ = .549
Total Indirect Effect through AI Self-Efficacy and Intrinsic MotivationEffect = .196, 95% CI [.129, .274]

Key Findings

  • Future orientation is positively associated with motivated learning (b2 = .549).
  • The total indirect effect through AI self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation is significant (effect = .196, 95% CI [.129, .274]).
  • AI self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation account for indirect associations between future orientation and motivated learning.
  • The indirect association through intrinsic motivation is numerically larger than through AI self-efficacy.

Clinical Implications

The study emphasizes the need for educational strategies that enhance students' future orientation and intrinsic motivation, particularly in AI-integrated learning environments. Understanding these psychological factors can inform the development of effective teaching methods in higher education.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the association of future orientation, AI self-efficacy, and intrinsic motivation with motivated learning among university students.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Integrating AI into undergraduate medical education: an exploration of learner-centered approaches through AI
  2. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Platform shift in mental health support among undergraduates: from campus counselors to GenAI-based consultation​
  3. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- AI in pharmacy education: a comparative visualization analysis of global and Chinese research trends
  4. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Will artificial intelligence change medical life? Bridging the gap between innovation and medical student adoption: a cross-sectional study among university medical students
  5. OECD, 2026 -- Empowering Learners for the Age of AI
  6. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2026 -- ChatGPT’s impact on student learning outcomes: a meta-analysis of 35 experimental studies
  7. Empowering Learners for the Age of AI (EN)
  8. ChatGPT’s impact on student learning outcomes: a meta-analysis of 35 experimental studies | Humanities and Social Sciences Communications
  9. AI at the bedside: Randomised controlled trial of ChatGPT's impact on student performance in real-patient clinical exams - PubMed

Original Source(s)

Related Content