Untangling the influence of anxiety and motivation on cognitive performance of international university students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/kb71w355

Keywords:

anxiety, motivation, attentional control theory, cognitive performance

Abstract

The current study aimed to examine the relationship between anxiety, motivation and real-world cognitive performance of international students while studying in Australia. Participants were 144 international students (aged 18-48 years) enrolled at an Australian university during 2021. Trait and state anxiety were measured using the State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety. Internal and external motivation were captured using the Work Preference Inventory, and real-world cognitive performance was assessed using the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire. Predictions were premised on attentional control theory. Separate moderated multiple regression models revealed that: at higher internal motivation, higher trait anxiety predicted poorer cognitive performance, whereas at lower internal motivation, higher state anxiety predicted poorer cognitive performance. At lower external motivation, higher trait anxiety predicted poorer cognitive performance at lower state anxiety, and at higher external motivation, higher trait anxiety predicted poorer cognitive performance at higher state anxiety. 

Author Biographies

  • Khanh Linh Chu, The University of Queensland

    Khanh Linh Chu is a PhD student in the School of Education at The University of Queensland. Her research interests include the mental health and well-being of students in primary, secondary and tertiary education.

  • Elizabeth J. Edwards, The University of Queensland

    Elizabeth Edwards is the Director of Research in the School of Education at The University of Queensland. Her research focusses on understanding the relationship between anxiety and cognitive performance.

  • Robert S. Vaughan, University of West London

    Robert Vaughan is Head of Psychological Sciences in the School of Human and Social Sciences at the University of West London. His research interests span personality and individual differences, health psychology and statistical methods.

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Published

2026-01-15

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Vol. 16 No. 1 (2026): Journal of International Students

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Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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How to Cite

Chu, K. L. ., Edwards, E. J., & Vaughan, R. S. (2026). Untangling the influence of anxiety and motivation on cognitive performance of international university students. Journal of International Students, 16(1), 127-140. https://doi.org/10.32674/kb71w355