A new psychological study of nearly 500 Icelandic adults reveals that men and women are far more alike than different when it comes to motivation and well-being. The research, published in Acta Psychologica, found that across eight core traits linked to drive and flourishing, men and women showed similar results, with only two small but statistically significant differences.
The study, conducted by an international team of psychologists, underscores that gender-based motivational stereotypes may be overstated. However, it also points to subtle variations that could have implications for education and workplace dynamics.
Key Findings: Similarities Dominate, But Two Differences Emerge
Researchers surveyed 479 adults in Iceland (336 women and 143 men, average age 32) using validated psychology questionnaires that assessed eight factors:
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Passion for achievement
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Grit (perseverance over time)
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Growth mindset (belief that abilities can improve)
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Self-efficacy (confidence in one’s capabilities)
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Meaning in life
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Psychological well-being
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Positive affect (frequency of positive emotions)
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Negative affect (frequency of negative emotions)
Results:
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Men scored slightly higher in passion for achievement (4.02 vs. 3.76 on a 5-point scale).
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Men also scored higher in self-efficacy (3.24 vs. 3.14 on a 4-point scale).
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No significant gender differences appeared in the other six traits.
“The study supports our earlier findings: men tend to show slightly more passion for achievement,” said lead author Professor Hermundur Sigmundsson from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
Why These Differences May Exist
The researchers did not measure brain function directly, but they referenced earlier studies suggesting that men and women may process rewards differently. Men’s motivation may be more influenced by individual achievement, while women may respond more to social or collaborative goals.
That said, the differences were small, and the overall takeaway is clear: gender-based similarities in motivation far outweigh the differences.
Confidence Is Key—Regardless of Gender
One of the study’s strongest conclusions had little to do with gender: Self-efficacy, or the belief in one’s ability to succeed, was strongly correlated with positive emotions and overall psychological well-being.
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People with higher self-efficacy reported greater happiness and life satisfaction.
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The relationship appears to be reciprocal—confidence fosters positivity, and positive experiences reinforce confidence.
“Having a high level of self-efficacy is a major advantage—it gives people the belief that they can overcome challenges,” Sigmundsson explained.
Importantly, self-efficacy isn’t fixed. It can be nurtured through mentorship, appropriate challenges, and supportive environments that encourage growth and mastery.
Implications for Schools and Workplaces
While men may lean slightly more toward individual achievement and women toward collaborative or meaningful goals, the study avoids making any value judgments. Instead, it highlights the importance of diverse motivational styles.
In education and workplace settings, this means creating environments that:
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Encourage both individual ambition and group cohesion,
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Provide purpose and meaning alongside clear, achievable goals,
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Support the development of self-efficacy for all genders.
Limitations and Considerations
As with all research, there are important caveats:
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The sample was skewed, with over twice as many women as men.
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All participants were from Iceland—a country known for gender equality—so results may not generalize globally.
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Data was self-reported, which can be affected by bias or social desirability.
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Other influencing factors (e.g., socioeconomic status, education) were not controlled for.
Summary of Key Data
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Sample: 479 Icelandic adults (336 women, 143 men), average age 32.
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Method: Standardized questionnaires measuring 8 motivation and well-being factors.
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Significant gender differences:
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Passion for achievement: Men 4.02 / Women 3.76 (on 5-point scale)
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Self-efficacy: Men 3.24 / Women 3.14 (on 4-point scale)
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Strongest correlations:
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Meaning in life ↔ Psychological well-being (r = 0.66)
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Psychological well-being ↔ Positive affect (r = 0.58)
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Self-efficacy ↔ Positive affect (r = 0.54)
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Conclusion: More Alike Than Different
This study contributes to a growing body of research showing that men and women share more similarities than stereotypes suggest when it comes to motivation. While slight differences in achievement drive and self-confidence emerged, both genders demonstrated resilience, purpose, and emotional strength.
The authors emphasize that recognizing these motivational patterns—not ranking them—can help educators, leaders, and policymakers support individuals in achieving their full potential.
Publication Details
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Title: Motivation, meaning and well-being: Exploring gender differences and associations in participants from Iceland
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Journal: Acta Psychologica, Vol. 258, 2025
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Authors: Hermundur Sigmundsson (NTNU), Bergsveinn Ólafsson (Claremont Graduate University), Michael F. Steger (Colorado State University), Simone Grassini (University of Bergen)
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Ethics: Approved by the Icelandic Data Protection Authority; conducted in line with the Declaration of Helsinki
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Funding/Disclosures: No competing interests declared