Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026

Determining the Contribution of the Energy Systems During Exercise
Published on: March 20, 2012
Athletes' basic psychological need satisfaction and autonomous motivation: differences between individual vs. team
1Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
None:
Self-Determination Theory (SDT) posits that the fulfillment of three basic psychological needs-autonomy, competence, and relatedness-is essential for fostering autonomous motivation, well-being, and optimal functioning. The present research aimed to extend current understanding of how sport modality (individual vs. team) relates to these sources of autonomous motivation in athletes. Data were collected across two studies: Study 1 included tennis and volleyball players (n = 78), while Study 2 involved a larger and more diverse sample of individual and team sport athletes (n = 1,137). Analyses of covariance revealed that individual sport athletes reported higher autonomy satisfaction. In contrast, team sport athletes reported higher relatedness satisfaction and, in Study 2 only, higher competence satisfaction. As anticipated, differences emerged in the sources of autonomous motivation rather than in the overall strength of autonomous motivation itself. These findings provide valuable insights into athletes' psychological need satisfaction profiles and offer a practical framework for implementing need-supportive coaching practices tailored to sport type.
More Related Videos
06:52An Inertial Measurement Unit Based Method to Estimate Hip and Knee Joint Kinematics in Team Sport Athletes on the Field
Published on: May 26, 2020
10:08Effects of a Novel Neuromuscular Training Intervention on Jump, Sprint, and Change of Direction in Adult Female Soccer Players
Published on: June 10, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who...
Secondary Motives: Power Motivation and Achievement Motivation
Power motivation is characterized by the desire to influence, control, or have an impact on others. It is shaped by an individual's experiences, social environment, and cultural context. People with high power motivation are...
Social Facilitation
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Maslow's Theory of Basic Human Needs
Physiological needs such as hunger, thirst, sex, physical comfort, and survival are at the bottom of the pyramid. These are the components that are necessary to sustain life. Once the first level of needs has been met, the second level arises.
Safety needs include stability and predictability. Protection and freedom from danger are all a part...
Secondary Motives: Affiliation Motivation and Aggression Motivation