Does family obligation matter for students' motivation, engagement, and well-being?: It depends on your self-construal

• Relational-interdependent self-construal moderated the effects of family obligation on academic and well-being outcomes.
• Family obligation enhanced motivation and well-being for those with high relational self.
• Family obligation reduced disaffection and negative affect for those with high relational self.

Previous studies on family obligation have mostly focused on its main effects. The aim of this study was to examine (a) how family obligation is associated with motivation, engagement, and well-being, and (b) how relational-interdependent self-construal moderates the effects of family obligation on these key outcomes. Filipino university students (n = 466) were recruited to answer the relevant questionnaires. Results showed that students with a higher sense of family obligation had better academic and well-being outcomes. These effects were more pronounced for those with high levels of relational-interdependent self-construal. In particular, for those with a high relational-interdependent self, family obligation boosted autonomous motivation and life satisfaction, as well as buffered against disaffection and negative affect. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.