Gendered analysis of achievement motivation in substance using and non-substance using young adults in a northern state of India

Background The role of achievement motivation for academic excellence and associated gender variations has been studied in detail. However, there is a dearth of research on the level of achievement motivation in young adults using and not using substances.Aim The aim of the study is to explore the gender dynamics and variations of achievement motivation in young adults using and not using substances in a northern state of India.Methods It is an ex-post-facto study of 300 young adults in the age group of 18–24 years using substances and not using substances. After screening the students for substance use using CRAFFT, Multi-dimensional Assessment of Personality Series was used as a psychological tool to understand achievement motivation.Result The mean scores on achievement motivation were found to be significantly higher among those youth who do not use substances (M = 2.41; F = 2.96), as compared to those who were using substances (M = 1.35; F = 1.58; F = 162.165, p < .01). Considering the gender analysis, the scores on achievement motivation were significantly higher among females as compared to males (F = 17.150, p < .01).Conclusion Young adults who did not use substance had high achievement motivation than those using substances, with females scoring higher overall than males.