Abstract

The present study examines the ways women and men deal with the demands of university life and the psychosocial factors that influence their motivation to complete their studies. A questionnaire measuring indicators of self-esteem and self-efficacy, coping styles, social adjustment to university life, emotions associated to studying, and future expectations was self-filled out by newly enrolled university students (N = 1979; 1214 F) coming from four separate disciplinary areas. Comparison between women' and men' answers indicates that female students report less self-esteem and self-efficacy, but better social and adjustment abilities. Moreover, they show greater motivation to completing their studies which is influenced by positive emotions associated with studying and by future expectations on occupations that will allow them to fulfill their values.