Sport commitment in adolescent soccer players

Authors

  • Noelia Belando Pedreño Universidade Miguel Hernández de Elche
  • Roberto Ferriz-Morel Universidade de Almería
  • Shai Rivas Universidade Miguel Hernández de Elche
  • Bartolomé Almagro Universidade de Huelva
  • Pedro Sáenz-López Universidade de Huelva
  • Eduardo Cervelló Universidade Miguel Hernández de Elche
  • Juan Antonio Moreno-Murcia Universidade Miguel Hernández de Elche

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6063/motricidade.2969

Abstract

The aim of this study was to contribute to the postulates of the self-determination theory, the hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation by Vallerand, and social goals. A structural regression model was estimated to analyze the relations between social goals (responsibility and relationships), praise for autonomous behavior, satisfaction of the basic psychological needs and intrinsic motivation in commitment to sport. A sample of 264 young Spanish soccer players aged between 14 and 16 (M =14.74, SD =.77) participated in the study. Structural Equation Modeling results showed that the social responsibility goal, the social relationship goal and praise for autonomous behavior predicted perceived competence. Furthermore, the relationship goal also predicted the need for relatedness. Satisfaction of the basic psychological needs for competence and relatedness predicted intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation positively predicted future commitment to sport. These results highlighted the importance of social goals, praise for autonomous behavior and psychological mediators in encouraging greater commitment in young soccer players. Future research should focus on the coach’s role in generating greater commitment to sport through the development of intervention methodologies based on social goals.

Author Biography

Noelia Belando Pedreño, Universidade Miguel Hernández de Elche

Dra. en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte por la Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche.

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Published

2016-03-10

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Section

Original Article

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