Winning for Our Sake:
Relational Motivation in Athletic Performance
Keywords:
relational motivation, student-athletes, effort, progress, athletic performanceAbstract
Two cross-sectional studies (ns = 66, and 156) of university athletes and three multilevel prospective studies of the basketball and volleyball teams at the university investigated the role of relationally-autonomous reasons (RARs) in athletic outcomes. We hypothesized that RARs would be positively associated with athletic outcomes (effort, progress and performance), but the association would be stronger for female athletes. In all five studies, participants reported their relational, personal and controlled reasons for playing their sport. Athletic outcome assessments included amount of self-reported effort and progress, manager and researcher coded effort during practice, and game statistics. The results across all five studies provided consistent support for the hypotheses. Implications for motivation theories and gender differences in sports are discussed.
References
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Gore, J. S. (2013). Individual differences that moderate the effectiveness of relational reasons for self-improvement. Motivation and Emotion, 37, 639-652. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-013-9344-7
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Hollembeak, J., & Amorose, A. J. (2005). Perceived Coaching Behaviors and College Athletes' Intrinsic Motivation: A Test of Self-Determination Theory. Journal Of Applied Sport Psychology, 17, 20-36. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200590907540
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Nebraska Press.
Jiang, T., & Gore, J. S. (2016). The relationship between autonomous motivation and goal pursuit: A cross-cultural perspective. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 19, 101-111. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajsp.12115
Lonsdale, C., Hodge, K., & Rose, E. (2009). Athlete burnout in elite sport: A self- determination perspective. Journal of Sports Sciences, 27, 785-795. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410902929366
Mageau, G. A., & Vallerand, R. J. (2003). The coach-athlete relationship: A motivational model. Journal of Sports Science, 21, 883-904. https://doi.org/10.1080/0264041031000140374
Mallett, C. J., & Hanrahan, S. J. (2004). Elite athletes: Why does the 'fire' burn so brightly? Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 5, 183-200. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1469-0292(02)00043-2
Rees, T., & Freeman, P. (2007). The effects of perceived and received support on self-confidence. Journal of Sports Sciences, 25, 1057-1065. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410600982279
Rees, T., Hardy, L., & Freeman, P. (2007). Stressors, social support, and effects upon performance in golf. Journal of Sports Sciences, 25, 33-42. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410600702974
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55, 68-78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
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Ryan, R. M., Williams, G. C., Patrick, H., & Deci, E. L. (2009). Self-determination theory and physical activity: The dynamics of motivation in development and wellness. Hellenic Journal of Psychology, 6, 107-124. http://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2009_RyanWilliamsPatrickDeci_HJOP.pdf
Sarrazin, P., Boiché, J., & Pelletier, L. G. (2007). A self-determination theory approach to dropout in athletes. In M. S. Hagger & N. L. D. Chatzisarantis (Eds.), Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in exercise and sport (pp. 229-242). Human Kinetics
Sheldon, K.M., & Elliot, A. J. (1998). Not all personal goals are personal: Comparing autonomous and controlled reasons for goals as predictors of effort and attainment. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 24, 546-557. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167298245010
Sheldon, K.M., & Elliot, A. J. (B, 1999). Goal striving, need satisfaction, and longitudinal well-being: The self-concordance model. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 76, 482-497. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.76.3.482
Sparks, C., Dimmock, J., Whipp, P., Lonsdale, C., & Jackson, B. (2015). 'Getting connected': High school physical education teacher behaviors that facilitate students’ relatedness support perceptions. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 4, 219-236. https://doi.org/10.1037/spy0000039
Standage, M., Duda, J. L., & Ntoumanis, N. (2003). A model of contextual motivation in physical education: Using constructs from self-determination and achievement theories to predict physical activity intentions. Journal of Educational Psychology, 95, 97-110. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.95.1.97
Turner, A. (2014). Total score of athleticism: A strategy for assessing an athlete’s athleticism. Professional Strength and Conditioning, 33, 13-17.
Vallerand, R. J., & Reid, G. (1984). On the causal effects of perceived competence on intrinsic motivation: A test of cognitive evaluation theory. Journal of Sport Psychology, 6, 94-102. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsp.6.1.94
Vallerand, R. J., & Losier, G. F. (1999). An integrative analysis of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in sport. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 11, 142-169. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413209908402956
White, R. W. (1959). Motivation reconsidered: The concept of competence. Psychological Review, 66, 297-333. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0040934
Weiner, B. (1985). An attributional theory of achievement motivation and emotion. Psychological Review, 92, 548-573. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.92.4.548
Berscheid, E., Snyder, M., & Omoto, A. M. (1989). The relationship closeness inventory: Assessing the closeness of interpersonal relationships. Journal of Personality and SocialPsychology, 57, 792– 807.
Chantal, Y., Guay, F., Dobreva-Martinova, T., & Vallerand, R. J. (1996). Motivation and elite performance: An exploratory investigation with Bulgarian athletes. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 27, 173-182. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11794/13983
Cote, J., Yardley, J, Hay, J, Sedgwick, W., & Baker, J. (1999). An exploratory examination of the coaching behaviour scale for sport, AVANTE, 5, 82-89.
Cox, A., & Williams, L. (2008). The roles of perceived teacher support, motivational
climate, and psychological need satisfaction in students' physical education
motivation. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 30, 222-239. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.30.2.222
Deci, E. L. (1971). Effects of externally mediated rewards on intrinsic motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 18, 105-115. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0030644
Deci, E. L. (1972). Intrinsic motivation, extrinsic reinforcement, and inequity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 22, 113-120. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0032355
Deci, E. L., Betley, G., Kahle, J., Abrams, L., & Porac, J. (1981). When trying to win: Competition and intrinsic motivation. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 7, 79-83. https://doi.org/10.1177/014616728171012
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). The general causality orientations scale: Self-determination in personality. Journal of Research in Personality, 19, 109-134. https://doi.org/10.1016/0092-6566(85)90023-6
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behaviors. Psychological Inquiry, 11, 227-268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01
Edmunds, J., Ntoumanis, N., & Duda, J. L. (2006). A test of self-determination theory in the exercise domain. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 36, 2240-2265. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0021-9029.2006.00102.x
Freeman, P., Rees, T., & Hardy, L. (2009). An intervention to increase social support and improve performance. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 21, 186-200. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200902785829
Gagne, M., & Blanchard, C. (2007). Self-determination theory and well-being in athletes. In M. S. Hagger & N. L. D. Chatzisarantis (Eds.), Intrinsic motivation and self- determination in exercise and sport (pp. 243-254). Human Kinetics.
Gillet, N., Vallerand, R. J., Amoura, S., & Baldes, B. (2010). Influence of coaches' autonomy support on athletes' motivation and sport performance: A test of the hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 11, 155-161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2009.10.004
Gore, J. S. (2013). Individual differences that moderate the effectiveness of relational reasons for self-improvement. Motivation and Emotion, 37, 639-652. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-013-9344-7
Gore, J. S. (2014). The influence of close others in daily goal pursuit. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 31, 71-92. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407513486976
Gore, J. S., Bowman, K., Grosse, C., & Justice, L. (2016). Let’s be healthy together: Relational motivation for physical health is more effective for women. Motivation and Emotion, 40, 36-55. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-015-9523-9
Gore, J. S., & Cross, S. E. (2006). Pursuing foal for us: Relationally-autonomous reasons in long-term goal pursuit. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 90, 848-861. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.90.5.848
Gore, J. S., Cross, S. E., & Kanagawa, C. (2009). Acting in our interest: Relational self and goal motivation across cultures. Motivation and Emotion, 33, 75-87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-008-9113-1
Gore, J. S., Hester, R., Spegal, L., Kavanaugh, K., & Nakai, Y. (2018). Relational mechanisms in the goal pursuit process. Personal Relationships, 25, 134-156. https://doi.org/10.1111/pere.12233
Hester, R., & Gore, J. S. (2015). Mechanisms that foster relational motivation. Psychological Studies, 60, 50-55. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-014-0290-6
Hagger, M. S., & Chatzisarantis, N. D. (2007). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in exercise and sport. Human Kinetics.
Hollembeak, J., & Amorose, A. J. (2005). Perceived Coaching Behaviors and College Athletes' Intrinsic Motivation: A Test of Self-Determination Theory. Journal Of Applied Sport Psychology, 17, 20-36. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200590907540
Hunt, J. M. V. (1965). Intrinsic motivation and its role in psychological development. In D. Levine (Ed.), Nebraska symposium on motivation (Vol. 13, pp. 189–282). University of
Nebraska Press.
Jiang, T., & Gore, J. S. (2016). The relationship between autonomous motivation and goal pursuit: A cross-cultural perspective. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 19, 101-111. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajsp.12115
Lonsdale, C., Hodge, K., & Rose, E. (2009). Athlete burnout in elite sport: A self- determination perspective. Journal of Sports Sciences, 27, 785-795. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410902929366
Mageau, G. A., & Vallerand, R. J. (2003). The coach-athlete relationship: A motivational model. Journal of Sports Science, 21, 883-904. https://doi.org/10.1080/0264041031000140374
Mallett, C. J., & Hanrahan, S. J. (2004). Elite athletes: Why does the 'fire' burn so brightly? Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 5, 183-200. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1469-0292(02)00043-2
Rees, T., & Freeman, P. (2007). The effects of perceived and received support on self-confidence. Journal of Sports Sciences, 25, 1057-1065. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410600982279
Rees, T., Hardy, L., & Freeman, P. (2007). Stressors, social support, and effects upon performance in golf. Journal of Sports Sciences, 25, 33-42. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410600702974
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55, 68-78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2007). Active human nature: Self-determination theory and the promotion and maintenance of sport, exercise, and health. In M.S. Hagger & N.L.D. Chatzisarantis (Eds.), Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in exercise and sport (pp. 1-19). Human Kinetics Europe Ltd.
Ryan, R. M., Williams, G. C., Patrick, H., & Deci, E. L. (2009). Self-determination theory and physical activity: The dynamics of motivation in development and wellness. Hellenic Journal of Psychology, 6, 107-124. http://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2009_RyanWilliamsPatrickDeci_HJOP.pdf
Sarrazin, P., Boiché, J., & Pelletier, L. G. (2007). A self-determination theory approach to dropout in athletes. In M. S. Hagger & N. L. D. Chatzisarantis (Eds.), Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in exercise and sport (pp. 229-242). Human Kinetics
Sheldon, K.M., & Elliot, A. J. (1998). Not all personal goals are personal: Comparing autonomous and controlled reasons for goals as predictors of effort and attainment. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 24, 546-557. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167298245010
Sheldon, K.M., & Elliot, A. J. (B, 1999). Goal striving, need satisfaction, and longitudinal well-being: The self-concordance model. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 76, 482-497. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.76.3.482
Sparks, C., Dimmock, J., Whipp, P., Lonsdale, C., & Jackson, B. (2015). 'Getting connected': High school physical education teacher behaviors that facilitate students’ relatedness support perceptions. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 4, 219-236. https://doi.org/10.1037/spy0000039
Standage, M., Duda, J. L., & Ntoumanis, N. (2003). A model of contextual motivation in physical education: Using constructs from self-determination and achievement theories to predict physical activity intentions. Journal of Educational Psychology, 95, 97-110. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.95.1.97
Turner, A. (2014). Total score of athleticism: A strategy for assessing an athlete’s athleticism. Professional Strength and Conditioning, 33, 13-17.
Vallerand, R. J., & Reid, G. (1984). On the causal effects of perceived competence on intrinsic motivation: A test of cognitive evaluation theory. Journal of Sport Psychology, 6, 94-102. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsp.6.1.94
Vallerand, R. J., & Losier, G. F. (1999). An integrative analysis of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in sport. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 11, 142-169. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413209908402956
White, R. W. (1959). Motivation reconsidered: The concept of competence. Psychological Review, 66, 297-333. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0040934
Weiner, B. (1985). An attributional theory of achievement motivation and emotion. Psychological Review, 92, 548-573. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.92.4.548
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2023-11-30
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