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Sport commitment among competitive female gymnasts: a developmental perspective.
Windee M Weiss1, Maureen R Weiss
1Wellness and Recreation Center, School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services at the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls 50614-0241, USA. windee.weiss@uni.edu
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
|May 8, 2007
Summary
Sport commitment predictors vary by age and competitive level in gymnasts. Understanding these developmental and competitive differences is key to the sport commitment model.
Area of Science:
- Sports Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Sport commitment is crucial for athlete retention and performance.
- Understanding the factors influencing sport commitment across different developmental stages and competitive levels is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how age and competitive level influence the relationship between determinants and sport commitment in gymnasts.
- To identify specific predictors of sport commitment across different age and skill levels.
Main Methods:
- Survey data collected from 304 gymnasts across three age groups (8-11, 11-14.5, 14.5-18 years).
- Participants were categorized into two competitive levels (Levels 5-6 and 8-10).
- Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between commitment determinants and sport commitment.
Main Results:
- For younger gymnasts (8-11), parental and friend social constraints and perceived costs were key predictors.
- Middle adolescents (11-14.5) were influenced by perceived costs, personal investments, and parent social constraints.
- Older gymnasts (14.5-18) showed perceived competence and costs as significant predictors.
- Competitive level differences were observed, with lower levels influenced by personal investments, costs, and broader social support/constraints, while higher levels were primarily predicted by personal investments and teammate constraints.
Conclusions:
- The determinants of sport commitment evolve significantly with age and developmental stage in gymnasts.
- Competitive level moderates the influence of various factors on sport commitment.
- Future research should explore additional determinants and developmental factors within the sport commitment model.
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