Field hockey coaches’ feelings of competence, autonomy and relatedness, and their perceived ability to meet these same needs in athletes

ABSTRACT

According to Self-determination Theory (SDT), self-determined athletes are more apt to put forth effort and have high levels of self-esteem and well-being (Ryan & Deci, 2002). Studies have identified a strong connection between coach behaviors and athletes’ needs satisfaction, yet few addressed this issue from a coach’s perspective. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to gain insights into female collegiate coaches’ experienced feelings of competence, autonomy and relatedness, and their perceived ability to meet these needs in their athletes. Seven NCAA Division I field hockey coaches were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and content analyzed following established procedures. Results include factors that both enhanced and detracted from coaches’ experienced need satisfaction, along with strategies and impediments to meeting their athletes’ needs. The discussion will address strategies ADs, coaches and athletes can adopt to create a more motivational environment for themselves and each other.

KEYWORDS:

• Coach
• self-determination
• coach–athlete relationship
• needs satisfaction
• motivation
• college sports
• qualitative
• women

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jamie E. Robbins

Jamie E. Robbins is a professor in the Kinesiology Department at Methodist University. She is also a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Her research focuses on the psychological factors that impact sport and coaching.

Jenelle N. Gilbert

Jenelle L. Gilbert currently works at the Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fresno. Jenelle's research focuses on performance psychology. Her main research project is the Mental Toughness UNIFORM, a curriculum designed to teach sport psychology/life skills to adolescent athletes.

Taylor Jackson

Taylor Jackson is a recent graduate of Methodist University. She majored in Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Coaching.

Jeff Ruser

Jeff Ruser is a graduate student in the field of Counseling, Sport and Performance Psychology at Indiana University.