This study was carried out with the objective of investigating the relationship between the type of motivational regulation of behavior, the perception of competence and autonomy with the educational backwardness of psychology students. It was carried out with a population of 340 students, of which 28% were male and 72% were female. Two Liker scales were used: Behavior Regulation Scale (adapted from the Markland and Tobin Physical Activity Behavior Scale) with a Cronbach alpha of α.65 and the Basic Psychological Needs Scale, Created from the Theory of self-determination, with a Cronbach alpha of α.77. The results indicate that 51% of pupils with educational backwardness have an extrinsic motivation, compared to only 2% of those with no backwardness. 31% of the students with lag are perceived without the necessary competences for this level of study as opposed to 10% of the students without lag. Through this study the relationship between intrinsic motivation, the perception of competence and autonomy can be demonstrated as indicators of permanence in the studies, while being directed towards an extrinsic motivation with a perception of low level in competence and autonomy, Would denote a high probability of educational lag.