Investigating the Psychological Insights of Spelling Bee Participation: A Focus on Self-Esteem and Motivation Among Underachievers

Underachievers are often associated with low self-esteem and motivation, especially in joining non-academic activities at their academic institution. This study aims to investigate the psychological insights of spelling bee participation; focusing on self-esteem and motivation among underachievers. A quantitative approach was used to obtain the data; questionnaires. The study used purposive sampling involving 30 pre-diploma students from University Technology MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Johor. The students were required to answer the questionnaires focusing on their self-esteem, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in relation to their participation in a spelling bee competition. The data were analysed using SPSS: descriptive statistics for mean and frequencies. The findings revealed an average self-esteem among the underachievers for their confidence in spelling bee participation. Meanwhile, the main intrinsic motivation for them to participate in a spelling bee competition are their self-accomplishment and self-pride benefits. Other than that, the underachievers had an average mean score for the external rewards offered by the competition thus explains the extrinsic motivation involved. The findings suggest that more positive psychological approaches to be conducted in elevating the underachievers’ self-confidence by highlighting both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.