Paths to academic achievement, delinquency and life-satisfaction: Longitudinal analysis of influences of psychological, relational and cultural factors.

초록

During the past 50 years, Korea transformed itself economically, socially, and educationally. Korean students are top achievers in science, math and reading literacy (PISA, 2000; TIMSS, 1999). This success can be traced to the cultural factors (i.e., Confucian and family values), relational factors (support from parents and teachers), and psychological factors (efficacy beliefs, self-regulation, and extrinsic motivation). Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies conducted with Korean students reveal the important role culture and significant others play in educational attainment and life-satisfaction and they challenge Western theories that emphasize individualistic values (e.g., innate ability, intrinsic interest, and self-esteem). A different pattern of results is found for delinquent behaviors (i.e., parental rejection, social exclusion, and moral disengagement). The authors discuss the need for transformation in the educational and social system to meet the needs of changing generation.