Assessing a Native American collegiate volleyball program's motivational climate
Joseph L Claunch1, Mary D Fry1, Theresa C Brown2
1Department of Educational Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States.
Frontiers in Psychology
|May 4, 2026
Summary
This study assessed a Native American collegiate volleyball team to develop a motivational climate program. Findings revealed athletes valued interpersonal success and task-involving climates, informing culturally relevant support strategies.
Area of Science:
- Sport Psychology
- Cultural Studies in Sport
Background:
- Understanding motivational climates is crucial for athlete development.
- Culturally relevant programs enhance well-being and performance in Native American athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore assessment methods for guiding a motivational climate program for a collegiate Native American volleyball team.
- To inform a future collaborative effort using achievement goal perspective theory and a caring framework.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative methods and action research principles were employed.
- Researchers collaborated with the head coach (N=1) and athletes (N=15).
- Co-construction of purpose and identification of priorities for collaboration.
Main Results:
- Athletes overcame challenges, using volleyball as a stress outlet.
- Success was defined by interpersonal relationships; preferences aligned with task-involving climates.
- The team, though skilled, was in transition and desired enhanced team bonding.
Conclusions:
- Assessment insights are vital for developing culturally relevant, supportive programs for Native American athletes.
- Findings provide a foundation for a motivational climate collaboration informed by achievement goal perspective theory and a caring framework.
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