Influence of Family Income and Access to Resources on Educational Attainment with Motivation as a Mediator

Abstract

This study examines the influence of family income and access to resources on educational attainment, with academic motivation acting as a mediating factor. Educational disparities rooted in socio-economic status persist globally, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan, yet prior research often neglected the psychological mechanisms involved. Addressing this gap, the study investigates how material conditions and motivational processes jointly impact academic success. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 220 university students using standardized scales. Results revealed that family income (B = 0.28, p = 0.002) and access to resources (B = 0.31, p < 0.001) had significant direct positive effects on educational attainment. Furthermore, academic motivation was found to significantly mediate these relationships; family income positively influenced academic motivation (B = 0.40, p < 0.001), and access to resources also enhanced motivation (B = 0.43, p < 0.001), with motivation itself strongly predicting educational attainment (B = 0.47, p < 0.001). The indirect effects through motivation were also significant for both family income (B = 0.19, p < 0.001) and access to resources (B = 0.20, p < 0.001). These findings, grounded in Ecological Systems Theory and Self-Determination Theory, demonstrate that socio-economic advantages foster academic success by enhancing students' motivational pathways. Practically, the results imply that simply providing financial or material support is insufficient; developing students' intrinsic academic motivation is equally crucial. This study fills an important research gap by offering evidence from a developing country context and proposes integrated strategies to improve educational attainment through both structural and psychological interventions.

Keywords: Family Income; Access to Resources; Educational Attainment; Academic Motivation