Motivational self-regulation (MSR) is recognized as a situated process, yet most research examines it independently of the motivational challenge that triggers it. Grounded in Situated Expectancy–Value Theory, this mixed-methods study examined how 60 university students reported self-regulating motivation across three scenarios: low subjective task value, low success expectancy, and high perceived opportunity cost. Written responses were coded using deductive and inductive categorical content analysis and compared using Friedman tests. Strategy mobilization varied significantly across scenarios: Environmental control predominated under low subjective task value, Cognitive strategies and Disengagement predominated under low success expectancy, and Need satisfaction was more salient under high opportunity cost. Inductive coding also identified three underrecognized strategies—Active procrastination, Need satisfaction, and Situational goal adjustment—extending existing MSR taxonomies. Under low success expectancy, few strategies directly targeted the underlying motivational problem, with students favoring self-protective coping, suggesting a narrow repertoire for regulating motivation when success appears unlikely.
Sara Da Silva, Matthieu Hausman et Jean-Louis Berger
