Propensity for Dropouts Among Postgraduate Students in the Business Field: An Analysis Based on the Self-Determination Theory and Subjective Well-Being

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between subjective well-being, various motivation sources, and dropout propensity among graduate business students in Brazil. A quantitative survey was conducted with a questionnaire ( N = 212), and data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling, Partial Least Squares, and analysis of variance (unidimensional and Welch tests). Results revealed a negative relationship between subjective well-being and autonomous motivation sources with dropout intention, while higher demotivation levels were strongly linked to increased dropout intention in graduate studies. Externally regulated or introjected motivations showed no statistical significance with the dependent variable. This research fills a gap in the literature by empirically examining the determinants of graduate student dropout. Its relevance lies in identifying key variables for successful academic and personal development in graduate education. The study is innovative for its theoretical and methodological approach, including robustness testing.