Preliminary Validation of the Holistic Experience of Motivation Scale (HEMS): An Empirico-Philosophical Approach / Preliminarna validacija Skale cjelovito iskustvo motivacije: empirijsko - filozofski pristup

Abstract

The aim of this study is to test the reliability and validity of the instrument known as Holistic Experience of Motivation Scale (HEMS) that has been used to examine the foundation of holistic experience of motivation in adolescents. Analyzing current research, theories, and practices in positive psychology, it is assumed that the need for purpose, i.e. recognition of the purpose, is a common need manifested differently in different constructs of human motivation. The HEMS is proposed after a theoretical and comparative analysis of various constructs of motivation, philosophies, and educational theories. Holistic Experience of Motivation (HEM) is measured in adolescents (age 14-15, total 50) after the intervention program (IP) in physical education that shows positive effects on intrinsic motivation, self-determination, achievement of goals, flow, thriving, and mindfulness. In the preliminary validation of the instrument, reliability and validity were measured using descriptive and principal component factor analysis for the case 1:5 with the Monte Carlo method. In the final instrument of 10 variables, three preliminary factors emerged: purpose, focus and example/role-model, but with the application of the Monte Carlo method only one factor emerged. The preliminary results show that the basis of the HEM can be the factor of “purpose”. The purpose or meaning may be a common need that is presented through different constructs of motivation in positive psychology. Different philosophical paradigms and constructs of motivation are shown to be connected. It is shown that the purpose or meaning in question is of spiritual/religious nature and that it is manifested through satisfying the basic psychological needs of selfCroatian Journal of Education Vol.23; Sp.Ed.No.1/2021, pages: 11-30 Original research paper Paper submitted: 5 May 2020 Paper accepted: 1 November 2020 https://doi.org/10.15516/cje.v23i0.4032 Branković and Badrić: Preliminary Validation of the Holistic Experience of Motivation Scale (HEMS) ... 12 determination and through the realization of motivational sparks that are markers of deep personal interests. The results show that the HEMS requires an upgrade with an additional validation on a larger sample and its correlation with other constructs in positive psychology. Also, they confirm that relationships have a significant role in motivation and recognition of personal purpose. The study presents the IP that can be used for making an environment for a holistic experience of motivation, which can also be applied in programs that aim toward the development of leadership and moral and ethical values in youth.