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Does the sex difference in competitiveness decrease in selective sub-populations? A test with intercollegiate

Robert O Deaner1, Aaron Lowen2, William Rogers1

  • 1Department of Psychology, Grand Valley State University , United States.

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|April 30, 2015
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Even in elite athletes, men report higher competitiveness than women. This sex difference in motivation persists across different athletic divisions and is not explained by injuries or childcare.

Keywords:
AthleticsCompetitionDistance runningElite athletesEvolutionary psychologyGender differencesMotivationPreferencesSportsTitle IX

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Area of Science:

  • Sports Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Background:

  • Established sex differences in preferences and motivations exist.
  • Uncertainty remains regarding persistence in elite sub-populations.
  • Elite athletes represent a relevant sub-population for study.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate sex differences in competitiveness among intercollegiate distance runners.
  • To determine if these differences persist in a highly selective athletic group.
  • To explore potential contributing factors to observed sex differences.

Main Methods:

  • Surveyed 1,147 varsity intercollegiate distance runners.
  • Utilized validated instruments and a new elite competitiveness scale.
  • Assessed training volume and other relevant factors.

Main Results:

  • Men reported greater competitiveness and training volume across all runners.
  • Sex differences in competitiveness and training volume persisted among faster runners.
  • No decrease in sex differences was observed across NCAA divisions (DI, DII, DIII).
  • Differences were not attributable to injuries or childcare responsibilities.
  • Women reported higher academic commitment, suggesting differing priorities.

Conclusions:

  • Sex differences in competitiveness and motivation can persist even in elite sub-populations.
  • Policies promoting equal opportunity should consider these persistent motivational differences.
  • Understanding these differences is crucial for fostering environments where all athletes can thrive.