Athletes’ Motivation Regulations and Need Satisfaction Across Combinations of Perceived Coaching Behaviors

Abstract

Cluster analysis was used to identify combinations of perceived coaching behaviors (i.e., autonomy support and four controlling coaching behaviors). Motivation regulations and need satisfaction were tested for differences across profiles. Results revealed 3 profiles of college swimmers (N = 165) based on their responses to measures of study variables. The profiles had relatively more autonomy support or more controlling coaching behaviors or a combination of the 2. The profile with greater autonomy support and lower controlling coaching behaviors reported the most positive motivation experiences. Findings illustrate the independence of these coaching behaviors and offer practical suggestions for college swim coaches.

Notes

¹Portions of this data were also used in a published study focused on the effects of scholarship status and perceived controlling use of rewards on athletes’ perceptions of competence, autonomy, and intrinsic motivation within a cognitive evaluation theory framework (Matosic, Cox, & Amorose, 2014). The current study extends the first use of this data by using a profile approach to examine combinations of four controlling coaching behaviors and autonomy support in relation to all three need satisfaction variables and all motivation regulations.