Fear of Failure as Motivation: A Novel Conceptualization and Measure

The Fear of Failure as Motivation Scale (FOFAMS) addresses the motivational role of fear of failure, which existing measures typically overlook in favor of its negative effects. FOFAMS was developed using a rational-theoretical approach to fill this gap, offering a new tool for examining this aspect in achievement contexts. Two studies examined the scale's psychometric properties. Study 1 involved item development and an exploratory factor analysis, refining the scale by removing conceptually and psychometrically weaker items. Study 2, with samples of students (<i>N</i> = 385) and sports participants (<i>N</i> = 382), supported the unidimensional structure through confirmatory factor analysis and contributed evidence supporting the scale's construct validity. FOFAMS showed significant correlations with other constructs hypothesized to relate to fear of failure as motivation. This questionnaire provides a unique perspective, enhancing the understanding of fear of failure's positive influences on goal pursuit and achievement, and contributing to the broader nomological network of this construct.