Mental health of students in the educational process:

Objective: Mental health has become a growing concern in the university environment, mainly due to the impact of anxiety on the educational process. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between state and trait anxiety symptoms and the motivation to learn among undergraduate students in Accounting Sciences. Method: This quantitative and descriptive study adopted a survey design. The sample comprised 181 undergraduate students. Data were collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. Results: Trait anxiety, a persistent characteristic related to an individual's personality, was identified as a negative determinant of motivation to learn. Students with high levels of trait anxiety experience difficulties maintaining motivation and focus in their studies, which negatively affects academic performance. In contrast, state anxiety, a temporary reaction to specific situations, did not significantly influence student motivation. Contributions: This study contributes to Accounting Sciences by emphasizing the need for institutional interventions aimed at enhancing students' mental health and fostering an academic environment that supports learning and the development of more assertive, more resilient professionals. It also underscores the importance of mental health as a key factor in the quality of training and future accounting practice.