Harnessing Research Pressure: A Dual Chain Mediation Effects of Achievement Motivation and Research Anxiety on Innovative Behavior Under Challenge-Hindrance Research Stressors

This study reveals that challenge- and hindrance-oriented research stressors shape researchers' innovative behavior through intertwined psychological pathways of achievement motivation and research anxiety. Notably, we identify that achievement motivation both mitigates anxiety and functions as a chain mediator linking stressors to innovative outcomes. These findings advance knowledge on fostering creativity during the era of New Quality Productivity, offering evidence-based guidance for research-oriented organizations and managers in China seeking to enhance innovative performance.