Implications of attachment theory for sport and physical activity research: conceptual links with achievement goal and peer-relationship models

Abstract

This paper attempted to integrate the developmental literature on attachment theory with the achievement goal and peer-relationship literature that has been central to sport and physical activity research in recent decades. Attachment theory, achievement goal models, and sport peer-relationship frameworks are briefly reviewed and the conceptual links between the theories are explored. It is contended that attachment theory offers conceptually useful avenues of research related to the constructs of achievement goals, perceived motivational climate, and experiences of peer relationships in sport-related contexts. A brief discussion regarding potential caveats related to measurement of mental representations of attachment in social and social-cognitive research is also forwarded.

Keywords:

• attachment
• achievement goals
• peer relationships
• motivation

Notes

1. Readers should note that within this paper the term ‘sport and physical activity’ denotes literature that predominantly refers to sport and physical education.