The dynamics of motivation and perceptions of control when competing in the Olympic Games

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between changes in motivational factors and perceptions of control among participants of the Norwegian Olympic Soccer Team for Women, prior to and during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. The findings show that Task Orientation decreased when competing in the Olympic Games, as did the perception of a Mastery climate, while the perception of a Performance climate increased during the Games. The further findings support the proposed positive relationship between a high Task Orientation and high perceptions of control.