Exploring the interplay between the motivational climate and goal orientation in predicting maximal oxygen uptake

Abstract

Drawing upon achievement goal theory, this study explored the interplay between the perceived motivational climate, achievement goals and objective measurements of maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max). The results of a study of 123 individuals from three Norwegian military academies revealed that under the condition of a high-performance orientation there is a stronger positive relationship between performance climate and VO_2max for individuals reporting a low (rather than high)-mastery orientation. Furthermore, we found that for individuals with a high-mastery orientation there is a stronger positive relationship between mastery climate and VO_2max for individuals reporting a low (rather than high)-performance orientation. These findings contribute to achievement goal theory by providing support for an interactionist person–environment fit perspective. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Keywords:

• achievement goal orientation
• motivational climate
• performance climate
• VO_2max
• physical performance

Notes

1. We thank one of the anonymous reviewers for pointing this out.