Perceived structure and achievement goals as predictors of students' self-regulated learning and affect and the mediating role of competence need satisfaction

► Perceived structure is linked with effective learning and positive emotionality. ► Perceived competence mediates the link between structure and outcomes. ► Approach goals are positively linked with self-regulated learning and positive affect. ► Performance-avoidance goals are linked with negative affectivity. ► In structured classes performance-avoidance goals are less harmful.