An Examination of University Student-Athletes’ Motivations to Contribute

Abstract

Little research has examined why student-athletes contribute. Contribution can be defined as the actions taken by individuals that benefit their own well-being or that of their family, community, and civil society. The purpose of this study was to examine university student-athletes’ motivations to contribute. Interviews were conducted with 10 university student-athletes (three males, seven females) between 18 and 22 years of age (M = 19.4). The findings indicated student-athletes engaged in contributions for reasons that satisfied their needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Additionally, motivations to contribute represented a complex interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic motives rather than a singular motive. Contribution experiences during the university years appear to help student-athletes make informed career decisions and to develop a willingness to be lifelong contributors.