Men Show Edge In Drive and Self-Belief, But Study Finds Women Are Just As Resilient

TRONDHEIM, Norway — When it comes to motivation, men and women may not be as different as stereotypes suggest. A new study of nearly 500 Icelandic adults found that men and women are largely alike across most measures of drive and well-being. But two subtle differences stood out: men scored slightly higher in passion for achievement and in self-efficacy, which is the belief in one’s ability to succeed at tasks.

These results come from Iceland, one of the most gender-equal nations in the world. That makes the findings noteworthy: even in such an egalitarian society, small psychological differences still appeared. But researchers stress that the similarities far outweigh the differences.

“We investigated differences between the sexes and the relationships between factors that influence participants’ motivation and well-being,” said Professor Hermundur Sigmundsson of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, one of the study’s lead authors, in a statement.

How Researchers Measured Passion, Grit, and Confidence

The study, published in Acta Psychologica, recruited 479 participants (336 women, 143 men), with an average age of 32, through online platforms. Each person completed standardized psychology questionnaires that measured eight traits often linked to motivation and flourishing:

• Passion for achievement – intensity of personal drive and interest in goals.
• Grit – persistence and perseverance.
• Growth mindset – belief that abilities can improve with effort.
• Self-efficacy – confidence in handling challenges.
• Meaning in life – feeling of purpose.
• Psychological well-being – overall sense of flourishing.
• Positive affect – frequency of positive emotions.
• Negative affect – frequency of unpleasant emotions.

When results were compared, men stood out in two areas. On passion for achievement, they averaged 4.02 compared with women’s 3.76 on a five-point scale. On self-efficacy, they averaged 3.24 compared with women’s 3.14 on a four-point scale.

For the other six measures, there were no significant differences between men and women. “The new study supports our previous findings: men are more passionate,” said Sigmundsson.

Small Gender Differences in Motivation, Big Similarities Overall

The researchers did not test brain chemistry directly. However, they point to earlier neuroscience studies suggesting men and women may process rewards differently. Men’s brains may react more strongly to individual rewards, while women’s brains may respond more to social rewards such as helping others.

This could help explain why men scored higher on measures tied to personal achievement, while women might be more motivated by community or collaborative goals. Still, the authors emphasize this is only a possible backdrop, not a proven biological cause.

Why Confidence Matters for Happiness and Well-Being

One of the strongest findings had less to do with gender and more to do with human psychology overall. Across participants, self-efficacy was closely linked with positive emotions and with overall psychological well-being. People who believed they could handle challenges tended to report feeling better about their lives.

“Having a high level of self-efficacy is simply a huge advantage – the absolute belief that you will succeed at something,” explained Sigmundsson.

Rather than proving cause and effect, the data show associations: confidence and positive emotions reinforce one another. Feeling capable makes life seem more rewarding, while positive emotions help sustain confidence when difficulties arise.

The encouraging news is that self-efficacy can be developed. Mentors, whether parents, teachers, or coaches, play a vital role. When people are given challenges that match their skills, they are more likely to experience “flow”: a state of deep engagement that builds mastery and belief in one’s own abilities.

This “I CAN” mindset, the researchers note, is central to how people tackle new challenges. Over time, that confidence can become self-sustaining.

What Gender Motivation Patterns Could Mean for Schools and Work

The study doesn’t claim one sex is “better” than the other. Instead, it suggests that men and women may lean on different motivational strengths. A man’s greater focus on personal achievement may fuel innovation or individual excellence. A woman’s stronger orientation toward collaboration and meaning may strengthen community and teamwork.

In education and workplaces, recognizing these differences could help teachers and managers create environments that nurture all types of motivation—whether goal-driven, collaborative, or meaning-focused.

Important Caveats

Like any study, this one has limitations. The sample had more than twice as many women as men. All participants came from Iceland, which may not reflect other cultural contexts. And because the study relied on self-reports, the answers may not perfectly reflect actual behaviors.

The authors recommend future research with more balanced samples and cross-cultural comparisons to see whether these patterns hold elsewhere.

The Bigger Picture: Men and Women Share More Than They Differ

Out of eight psychological factors measured, men scored higher on only two. That means men and women were similar on six out of eight traits, reinforcing just how much overlap there really is.

Rather than painting one sex as more motivated than the other, the findings highlight different ways drive can be expressed. Both men and women show resilience, a sense of purpose, and capacity for growth. They may simply emphasize slightly different aspects of what it means to pursue a meaningful life.

Disclaimer: This article reports on findings from peer-reviewed research and is intended for informational purposes only. The study was based on self-reported questionnaires from a convenience sample in Iceland and does not establish cause-and-effect relationships. Results may not generalize beyond the studied population. For personalized advice about psychological health or well-being, consult a qualified professional.