Motivación académica en estudiantes universitarios: una revisión sistemática
Academic motivation in university students: a systematic reviewContenido principal del artículo
Introducción: La motivación académica es un factor crítico en el rendimiento y compromiso de los estudiantes universitarios, influyendo en su aprendizaje y desarrollo integral. Objetivo: Analizar la producción científica sobre motivación académica en estudiantes universitarios publicada entre 2020 y 2026, identificando dimensiones, tendencias y aportes conceptuales. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión sistemática guiada por PRISMA 2020, examinando estudios empíricos y revisiones recuperadas de Scopus, SciELO y Web of Science, en español e inglés, sobre motivación académica. Resultados: Se identificaron tres dimensiones interrelacionadas del constructo: (1) factores personales y emocionales, incluyendo autoeficacia, autorregulación e inteligencia emocional; (2) factores pedagógicos y académicos, como estrategias docentes, flexibilidad curricular y aprendizaje significativo; y (3) factores contextuales e institucionales, tales como clima de aula, apoyo social y entorno universitario. Conclusiones: La motivación académica es un fenómeno multidimensional que requiere integrar dimensiones individuales, pedagógicas y contextuales para su comprensión. Los hallazgos orientan el diseño de intervenciones educativas contextualmente sensibles que fortalezcan la motivación y el desempeño académico en la educación superior.
Introduction: Academic motivation is a critical factor in the performance and engagement of university students, significantly influencing their learning process and holistic development. Objective: This study aims to analyze the scientific production on academic motivation in university students published between 2020 and 2026, identifying key dimensions, trends, and conceptual contributions. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, examining empirical studies and reviews retrieved from Scopus, SciELO, and Web of Science. The search included literature in both Spanish and English. Results: Three interrelated dimensions of the construct were identified: (1) personal and emotional factors, including self-efficacy, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence; (2) pedagogical and academic factors, such as teaching strategies, curricular flexibility, and meaningful learning; and (3) contextual and institutional factors, including classroom climate, social support, and the university environment. Conclusions: Academic motivation is a multidimensional phenomenon that requires the integration of individual, pedagogical, and contextual dimensions for its full understanding. These findings provide a foundation for designing contextually sensitive educational interventions aimed at strengthening motivation and academic performance in higher education.
Detalles del artículo

Esta obra está bajo una licencia internacional Creative Commons Atribución-NoComercial-CompartirIgual 4.0.
Cómo citar
Referencias
Abello Camacho, D., Hederich Martínez, C., & Camargo Uribe, A. (2026). Motivación académica en estudiantes universitarios de primer año: relaciones entre dos modelos teóricos. Actualidades en Psicología, 40(140), 81 102. https://doi.org/10.15517/ap.v40i140.62334
DOIGoogle Scholar
Arroyo, M. (2023). Satisfacción con la vida, apoyo social, autoeficacia académica y motivación académica en estudiantes universitarios costarricenses. PsicoInnova, 7(1), 1 19. https://doi.org/10.54376/psicoinnova.v7i1.175
DOIGoogle Scholar
Bai, S., Hew, K. F., Sailer, M., & Jia, C. (2021). From top to bottom: How positions on different types of leaderboard may affect fully online student learning performance, intrinsic motivation and engagement. Computers & Education, 173, 104297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2021.104297
DOIGoogle Scholar
Bansal, S., & Pagidas, K. (2025). Strength of motivation and academic performance of medical students: a longitudinal study. BMC Medical Education, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07733-3
DOIGoogle Scholar
Bergdahl, N., Bond, M., Sjöberg, J., Dougherty, M., & Oxley, E. (2024). Unpacking student engagement in higher education learning analytics: a systematic review. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-024-00493-y
DOIGoogle Scholar
Bruno, F., Fernández, M., & Stover, J. (2020). Escala de motivación situacional académica para estudiantes universitarios: Desarrollo y análisis psicométricos. Interdisciplinaria, 37(1), 15 32. https://doi.org/10.16888/interd.2020.37.1.8
DOIGoogle Scholar
Chan, S., Maneewan, S., & Koul, R. (2023). Teacher educators' teaching styles: relation with learning motivation and academic engagement in pre service teachers. Teaching in Higher Education, 28(8), 2044 2065. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2021.1947226
DOIGoogle Scholar
Chen, C., Bian, F., & Zhu, Y. (2023). The relationship between social support and academic engagement among university students: the chain mediating effects of life satisfaction and academic motivation. BMC Public Health, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-17301-3
DOIGoogle Scholar
Chinchilla, C., Santana, M., & Vergel, A. (2022). Motivación en estudiantes universitarios como factor generador de la calidad educativa. Revista Boletín Redipe, 10(13), 443 454. https://doi.org/10.36260/rbr.v10i13.1758
DOIGoogle Scholar
Condori, J. (2023). Inteligencia emocional y motivación académica en estudiantes universitarios de formación en educación primaria. Revista Estudios Psicológicos, 3(3), 74 83. https://doi.org/10.35622/j.rep.2023.03.006
DOIGoogle Scholar
De León, C. R., Mercado Ruiz, A., & Villeda Villafaña, O. (2023). Escala de motivación académica para estudiantes universitarios en educación en línea: Construcción y validación. Revista Digital Internacional de Psicología y Ciencia Social, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.22402/j.rdipycs.unam.e.9.1.2023.492
DOIGoogle Scholar
Eccles, J. S., & Wigfield, A. (2020). From expectancy value theory to situated expectancy value theory: A developmental, social cognitive, and sociocultural perspective on motivation. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 61, 101859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101859
DOIGoogle Scholar
Eccles, J. S., & Wigfield, A. (2023). Expectancy value theory to situated expectancy value theory: Reflections on the legacy of 40+ years of working together. Motivation Science, 9(1), 1 12. https://doi.org/10.1037/mot0000275
DOIGoogle Scholar
Eltahir, M., & Alsalhi, N. (2025). Impact of the flipped classroom on academic achievement, motivation, and engagement: A higher education case study. Contemporary Educational Technology, 17(1), ep553. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/15742
DOIGoogle Scholar
Fielding, J., Geiger, V., Miller, J., Bruder, R., Towara, U., & Ratnayake, I. (2022). Using situated expectancy value theory to explore initial teacher education students' motivation to engage with challenging mathematical tasks. Teaching and Teacher Education, 113, 103663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2022.103663
DOIGoogle Scholar
Froment, F., & de Besa Gutiérrez, M. (2022). La predicción de la credibilidad docente sobre la motivación de los estudiantes: el compromiso y la satisfacción académica como variables mediadoras. Revista de Psicodidáctica, 27(2), 149 157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psicod.2022.04.003
DOIGoogle Scholar
Gavín, Ó., García, I., Pérez, E., & Luque, A. (2024). Learner engagement, motivación académica y estrategias de aprendizaje de estudiantes universitarios. Educación XX1, 27(1), 57 79. https://doi.org/10.5944/educxx1.36951
DOIGoogle Scholar
González, A., López, E., Expósito Casas, E., & Moreno González, E. (2021). Motivación académica y autoeficacia percibida y su relación con el rendimiento académico en los estudiantes universitarios de la enseñanza a distancia. RELIEVE, 27(2). https://doi.org/10.30827/relieve.v27i2.21909
DOIGoogle Scholar
Guay, F. (2022). Applying self determination theory to education: Regulations types, psychological needs, and autonomy supporting behaviors. Canadian Journal of School Psychology, 37(1), 75 92. https://doi.org/10.1177/08295735211055355
DOIGoogle Scholar
Hernández, J., & Castillo, K. (2025). Uso de la revisión sistemática y su importancia en la construcción de la investigación. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16543303
DOIGoogle Scholar
Hinduja, P., Fakir Mohammad, R., & Siddiqui, S. (2024). Factors influencing students' academic self efficacy in related domains. SAGE Open, 14(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241289738
DOIGoogle Scholar
Ivarson, E., Erlandsson, V., Faraon, M., & Khatib, S. (2025). Augmented reality and gamification in higher education: Designing mobile interaction to enhance students' motivation and learning. E Learning and Digital Media, 22(6), 571 590. https://doi.org/10.1177/20427530241239981
DOIGoogle Scholar
Jara, G. M. (2025). Práctica docente y motivación académica en educación superior: Una revisión sistemática (2019 2024). Revista Scientific, 10(35), 48 68. https://doi.org/10.29394/scientific.issn.2542-2987.2025.10.35.2.48-68
DOIGoogle Scholar
Kaspar, K., Burtniak, K., & Rüth, M. (2024). Online learning during the Covid 19 pandemic: How university students' perceptions, engagement, and performance are related. Current Psychology, 43(18), 16711 16730. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04403-9
DOIGoogle Scholar
Kotera, Y., Maybury, S., Liu, G., Colman, R., Lieu, J., & Dosedlová, J. (2022). Mental well being of Czech university students: Academic motivation, self compassion, and self criticism. Healthcare, 10(11), 2135. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10112135
DOIGoogle Scholar
Li, Y., Sueb, R., & Said Hashim, K. (2025). The relationship between parental autonomy support, teacher autonomy support, peer support, and university students' academic engagement: the mediating role of academic motivation. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1503473. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1503473
DOIGoogle Scholar
Martin, A. J., Ginns, P., & Collie, R. J. (2023). University students in COVID 19 lockdown: The role of adaptability and fluid reasoning in supporting their academic motivation and engagement. Learning and Instruction, 83, 101712. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2022.101712
DOIGoogle Scholar
Matos, R. S., Santos, M., Marangoni, M., & Pereira, V. (2025). Motivation in medical students: higher intrinsic motivation among graduate entry students across academic stages. Frontiers in Medicine, 12, 1625352. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1625352
DOIGoogle Scholar
Melaku, B., Negasi, R., & Tolla, T. (2025). Exploring the serial mediation roles of academic motivation and academic resilience in first year students' psychological well being and academic achievement. International Journal of Community Well Being, 8(3), 549 565. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42413-025-00255-2
DOIGoogle Scholar
Mendaña Cuervo, C., & López González, E. (2021). Impacto de la clase invertida en la percepción, motivación y rendimiento académico de estudiantes universitarios. Formación Universitaria, 14(6), 97 108. https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-50062021000600097
DOIGoogle Scholar
Moreira, J., & Mendoza, M. (2024). La inteligencia emocional y la motivación en estudiantes de educación superior: Revisión sistemática. Ciencia y Educación, 5(11), 33 51. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14061042
DOIGoogle Scholar
Noriega, F. G. (2026). Revisión sistemática sobre motivación académica en estudiantes de educación superior. RIDE Revista Iberoamericana para la Investigación y el Desarrollo Educativo, 16(32). https://doi.org/10.23913/ride.v16i32.2919
DOIGoogle Scholar
Otero, P., Condeso, S., Quenema, N., Castillo, F., & Hernández, E. (2026). Inteligencia emocional como factor clave en la educación: Una revisión sistemática. Revista InveCom, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15284555
DOIGoogle Scholar
Pehlivan, F., & Arabacioglu, T. (2023). The effect of gamification on math achievement, motivation, and learning strategies in flipped classrooms. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 11(4), 309 317. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.11n.4p.309
DOIGoogle Scholar
Quito, J. C. (2024). Estrategias educativas para la motivación académica de los estudiantes universitarios. Una revisión sistemática. Perspectivas Metodológicas. https://doi.org/10.18294/pm.2024.4812
DOIGoogle Scholar
Reyes, S. C, Merino Cajaraville, A., & Salguero Pazos, M. (2023). Avoiding academic burnout: Academic factors that enhance university student engagement. Behavioral Sciences, 13(12), 989. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13120989
DOIGoogle Scholar
Rivadeneyra, M., & Ñique, C. (2023). Motivación académica en estudiantes de medicina de una universidad privada de Lambayeque, Perú. FEM, 26(1), 13 17. https://doi.org/10.33588/fem.261.1254
DOIGoogle Scholar
Rodríguez Bravo, A., Donoso González, M., & Pedraza Navarro, I. (2026). Engaged to teach: Vocational motivation and academic engagement among pre service teachers in distance higher education. Trends in Higher Education, 5(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu5010005
DOIGoogle Scholar
Schoenherr, J., & Schukajlow, S. (2024). Preservice teachers' judgments of students' expectations of success and task values: Close relations with their personal task motivation. Teaching and Teacher Education, 148, 104659. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2024.104659
DOIGoogle Scholar
Serrano, A. (2025). Análisis de las diferencias en los niveles de motivación en el proceso de aprendizaje: Una comparativa entre estudiantes universitarios jóvenes y sénior según género. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 10, 1 15. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1330
DOIGoogle Scholar
Shi, Y., Gao, H., Yan, Y., Li, X., & Ping, W. (2024). Career choice motivation and professionalism in medical students in China: a gender stratified analysis. BMJ Open, 14(6), e083073. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083073
DOIGoogle Scholar
Sosa Gutierrez, F., Flores Jimenez, L., & Vilca Apaza, H. (2024). Educación virtual y la motivación académica en estudiantes universitarios. Puriq, 6. https://doi.org/10.37073/puriq.6.626
DOIGoogle Scholar
Stephani, N., Alvin, S., & Riatun. (2023). Exploring college students' motivations for choosing online learning program. Cogent Education, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2266206
DOIGoogle Scholar
Stoyanova, S., & Giannouli, V. (2022). Online testing as a means of enhancing students' academic motivation during the coronavirus pandemic. Education Sciences, 13(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13010025
DOIGoogle Scholar
Sulaiman, N., & Shahid, R. (2022). Impact of mobile learning on academic motivation: University students' perspective. Journal of Educators Online, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.9743/jeo.2022.19.1.6
DOIGoogle Scholar
Taibolatov, K., Pfeyfer, N., Burdina, E., Kudysheva, A., & Bolatov, A. (2024). The role of emotional intelligence on academic motivation of schoolchildren. Frontiers in Education, 9, 1265946. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1265946
DOIGoogle Scholar
Terech, J., Sarnowska, P., Bikowska, K., Guziak, M., & Walkiewicz, M. (2025). Who thrives in medical school? Intrinsic motivation, resilience, and satisfaction among medical students. Healthcare, 13(23), 3049. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233049
DOIGoogle Scholar
Theobald, M. (2021). Self regulated learning training programs enhance university students' academic performance, self regulated learning strategies, and motivation: A meta analysis. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 66, 101976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2021.101976
DOIGoogle Scholar
Tisocco, F., & Liporace, M. F. (2023). Structural relationships between procrastination, academic motivation, and academic achievement within university students: A self determination theory perspective. Innovative Higher Education, 48(2), 351 369. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-022-09622-9
DOIGoogle Scholar
Torbergsen, H., Utvær, B., & Haugan, G. (2023). Nursing students' perceived autonomy support by teachers affects their intrinsic motivation, study effort, and perceived learning outcomes. Learning and Motivation, 81, 101856. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lmot.2022.101856
DOIGoogle Scholar
Vallone, F., Galvin, J., Cattaneo Della Volta, M., Akhtar, A., & Chua, S. (2023). Technostress and academic motivation: direct and indirect effects on university students' psychological health. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1211134. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1211134
DOIGoogle Scholar
Wang, C., Zhu, S., & Zhang, H. (2023). Computer assisted English learning: Uncovering the relationship between motivation and self regulation. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 39(6), 1860 1873. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12846
DOIGoogle Scholar
Wang, X., Yan, Z., Tang, A., Chen, C., Chen, J., & Xiong, Y. (2025). Adversity quotient influences self regulated learning strategies via achievement motivation among Chinese university students. Education Sciences, 15(8), 1042. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15081042
DOIGoogle Scholar
Wang, X., Zhang, M., & Wang, J. (2024). The effect of university students' academic self efficacy on academic burnout: The chain mediating role of intrinsic motivation and learning engagement. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 42(7), 798 812. https://doi.org/10.1177/07342829241252863
DOIGoogle Scholar
Wild, S., Rahn, S., & Meyer, T. (2024). Factors mitigating the decline of motivation during the first academic year: a latent change score analysis. Motivation and Emotion, 48(1), 36 50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-023-10050-1
DOIGoogle Scholar
Yang, L., Liu, Z., & Yin, H. (2026). Examining the relationship between undergraduates' motivation, engagement and learning outcomes in China: a three wave longitudinal investigation. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 1 18. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2026.2656282
DOIGoogle Scholar
Yang, Y., Chen, J., & Zhuang, X. (2025). Self determination theory and the influence of social support, self regulated learning, and flow experience on student learning engagement. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1545980. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1545980
DOIGoogle Scholar
Yancha, S., & Salazar, C. (2024). Motivación académica y resiliencia en estudiantes. PENTACIENCIAS, 6(4), 247 256. https://doi.org/10.59169/pentaciencias.v6i4.1133
DOIGoogle Scholar
Zheng, B., Chang, C., Lin, C., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Self efficacy, academic motivation, and self regulation: How do they predict academic achievement for medical students? Medical Science Educator, 31(1), 125 130. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-020-01143-4
DOIGoogle Scholar