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Motivation profiles in sport: a self-determination theory perspective
S P Vlachopoulos1, C I Karageorghis, P C Terry
1Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki at Serres. vlachop@phed-sr.auth.gr
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
|December 28, 2000
Summary
Adult sports participants with both self-determined and nonself-determined motives reported higher enjoyment, effort, and satisfaction. Understanding these motivation profiles is key for sustained sport engagement.
Area of Science:
- Sport Psychology
- Motivation Science
Background:
- Understanding adult sport participation requires examining diverse motivation profiles.
- Self-Determination Theory provides a framework for analyzing intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between distinct motivation profiles in adult sports participants and key outcomes.
- To identify how different combinations of self-determined and nonself-determined motives impact sport experience.
Main Methods:
- Two samples (n=590, n=555) of adult sports participants completed the Sport Motivation Scale and self-report measures.
- Exploratory and confirmatory cluster analyses were used to identify motivation profiles.
Main Results:
- Two distinct motivation clusters emerged: high on both self-determined and nonself-determined motives, and high on self-determined but low on nonself-determined motives.
- Participants in the cluster with high scores on both motive types reported significantly higher enjoyment, effort, positive affect, attitude, intention to continue, satisfaction, and attendance.
Conclusions:
- Motivation profiles significantly influence the outcomes of sport participation.
- A combination of self-determined and nonself-determined motives may foster a more positive and sustained engagement in sports.