The Temporal Relationship between Perceived Competence and Self-Determined Motivation

Abstract

Although perceived competence is generally considered a determinant of motivation, little research has actually studied the relation between the two constructs on a longitudinal basis and in natural settings. This was the purpose of the present study. Canadian male adolescent hockey players (N = 64) in their first year at an elite level completed a questionnaire 2 weeks into the hockey season (T1) and at the end of the regular season (T2), assessing perceived competence and self-determined motivation at both times. The results partially support the hypothesis that, over time, perceived competence determines motivation (rather than the reverse) but do not exclude the possibility that, with time, motivation may also influence perceptions of competence.