[The relation between achievement motive and fear of success]

The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between achievement motive and fear of success in order to understand these two concepts better. Two hundred and fifty undergraduate students (130 females, 120 males) were investigated using scales (two types of fear of success scales and an achievement motive scale). Results showed that the relationship between scores on fear of success subscales (consideration of others, low need for superiority, negative feelings towards success) and achievement motive subscales (self-fulfillment achievement motive, competitive achievement motive) differ according to gender and situation. The results also provide conclusive evidence for the presence of ambivalence in competitive situations.