The conceptual and empirical foundations of Empowering Coaching™: Setting the stage for the PAPA project

Abstract

This article describes the evolution and key features of a training programme, Empowering Coaching™, which pulls from both the achievement goal frameworks and self-determination theory and related research. This programme takes into account that there are key dimensions of the social psychological environments created by significant others (such as coaches) and central motivational processes that are pertinent to sustained and optimal engagement in activities (such as sport). Also presented is information on how and why Empowering Coaching™ was implemented within the European-wide “Promoting Adolescent Physical Activity” project (www.projectpapa.org), which aimed to provide an evidence-based intervention approach to facilitating “healthy sport experiences for healthier kids”.

Keywords:

• achievement goal theory
• self-determination theory
• youth sport
• motivation
• Empowering Coaching™