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Updated: Jan 13, 2026

Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties
Published on: September 27, 2020
Exploring the parallel mediating roles of self-regulation, motivation, and self-efficacy in the relationship between
Pengpeng Cai1, Xuhong Li2, Juxiong Feng3
1Trinity Centre for Global Health, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Background:
Shame, a self-conscious emotion strongly shaped by face concern in collectivist cultures, can undermine essential psychological processes in second language learning. This study examines how shame influences growth mindset indirectly through three key mediators: motivation, self-efficacy, and self-regulation.
Methods:
A total of 817 Chinese university students completed validated questionnaires measuring shame, motivation, self-efficacy, self-regulation, and growth mindset. Data were analyzed using correlational analyses and mediation models with bootstrapping.
Results:
Shame was not significantly associated with growth mindset. However, it indirectly related to the development of a growth mindset by lowering motivation, reducing self-efficacy, and impairing self-regulation.
Conclusion:
These findings highlight the pathways through which shame erodes growth-oriented beliefs, underscoring the need for culturally responsive teaching strategies that strengthen students' psychological resilience and reframe mistakes as opportunities for learning.
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