Perceived Coaching Behaviors and College Athletes' Intrinsic Motivation: A Test of Self-Determination Theory

Abstract

Using self-determination theory (SDT) as a framework, this study tested whether perceived competence, autonomy and relatedness mediated the relationships between perceived coaching behaviors and athletes' intrinsic motivation (IM). Male and female college athletes (N = 280) completed questionnaires assessing perceived coaching behaviors (i.e., training and instruction, positive feedback, social support, and autocratic and democratic behavior), as well as their IM, perceptions of competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Structural equation modeling revealed support for a mediational effect. Specifically, results indicated that all of the coaching behaviors, with the exception of social support, significantly predicted perceived competence, autonomy and/or relatedness, which, in turn, predicted IM. Only perceived autocratic and democratic behaviors had a significant indirect effect on IM. Results are discussed in relation to SDT and coaching effectiveness.