EXAMINATION OF THE TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS' GENERAL SELF-EFFICACY PERCEPTIONS AND SOURCES OF SPORTS MOTIVATION

Abstract

This study aims to examine the Turkish Table Tennis Super League elite players’ general self-efficacy perceptions and motivation sources. The sample of research consist of 66 male (69,5%) and 29 female (30,5%) participants who are participated voluntarily among national players at the Turkish Table Tennis Super League in 2019. In the research, the “Sports Motivation Scale” and “General Self-Efficacy Scale” are applied as a data gathering instruments in the research. The relations between variables are tested with factor analysis, correlation analysis and SEM Partial Least Squares. The results of this study have shown that sub-dimensions of intrinsic (β: 0,321, p<0,05), introjected (β: 0,314, p<0,05), integrated (β: 0,271, p<0,05) and identified (β: 0,327, p<0,05) have a positive and significant effects on self-efficacy. On the other hand, amotivated (β: -0,230, p<0,05) sub-dimension has a negative effect on self-efficacy. Moreover, the findings do not support the existence of a statistically significant relationship between general self-efficacy and external (β:0,504, p<0,05) which is one of the sport motivation sub-dimension. In conclusion, these findings show that the belief of self-efficacy as players’ motivation and performance increases. It is important that trainers and club managers know ways to increase the general self-efficacy perceptions of players. Trainers can increase their general self-efficacy beliefs thanks to teaching them enriched with new training techniques, psychological support and creating effective learning environments.