Writing Motivation Profiles Among Diverse Adolescents: A Mixed Methods Study

Purpose Writing motivation is closely linked to writing performance, yet both decline in early adolescence. Understanding heterogeneity in writing motivation and its relationship to performance is critical. This study used a person-centered, mixed methods approach to identify profiles of writing motivation among middle school students.Methods Phase 1 used latent profile analysis with 2,534 students (50% female; 31.49% sixth grade; 44.99% White non-Hispanic). Phase 2 involved semi-structured interviews with 27 students representing all profiles, analyzed using thematic analysis. Phase 3 integrated quantitative and qualitative findings into meta-inferences.Results Four profiles were identified. Personal interest writers, motivated by curiosity and perceived personal benefit. Self-expression writers, sought emotional expression and connection with readers. Performance writers, motivated by grades and competition. Non-specific writers, showed high motivation but no dominant motivational driver.Conclusion Students valued diverse motives for writing, resulting in distinct motivational profiles that differed in demographic composition and writing performance.