Achieving scientific excellence: an exploratory study of the role of emotional and motivational factors

This study investigates the perceived role of psychological factors
in achieving excellence in scientific research. Six outstanding
scientists aged 33–42 were interviewed. Data were analyzed
inductively resulting in three main dimensions: personality traits and
characteristics, psychological skills and processes, and task-specific
strategies. Researchers highlighted the importance of emotional
factors and motivational processes to achieve and sustain scientific
excellence. Flexible coping, emotion regulation, and goal setting were
emphasized and described as particularly important in dealing with
rejections, setbacks, and team management issues. Persistence and
adaptive perfectionism were key individual characteristics which
helped participants in nurturing and sustaining motivation. This study
suggests that the specific impact of emotional, motivational, and other
psychological skills at different stages of excellence development is
relevant; yet, further investigation is needed.
(QREN-POPH/FSE grant number SFRH/BD/30667/2006). This study was conducted at the Psychology Research Centre, University of Minho, and
supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and the Portuguese
Ministery of Education and Science through the National Strategic Reference Framework
(QREN-POPH/FSE grant number SFRH/BD/30667/2006)
info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion