Metamotivational orientations in sport participants and non-participants

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to extend the application of reversal theory for understanding motives for participation or non-participation in sport and physical activity. A secondary objective was to add to previous findings by investigating data from an Asian population. Design: Distributions of different groups of participants and non-participants, including male and female groups, were examined using Chi Square and two-way ANOVA procedures. Methods: New university entrants ( N =3151) responded to a survey questionnaire in which motives for participation or non-participation were phrased in terms of reversal theory's eight metamotivational categories. For group comparison purposes, questionnaire responses were then used to classify respondents according to their primary sport participation or non-participation metamotivational orientation (MO). Frequency of intended future participation, perceived physical ability (PPA) and perceived physical fitness (PPF) among MO groups was also examined. Results: Generally, the telic and alloic MOs were rated most frequently by participants, although some significant gender differences were found. For non-participants, the paratelic , telic, mastery and autic MOs were rated most frequently and significant differences between participants and non-participants were found. Also, both male and female participant MO groups differed significantly in their frequency of intended future participation, PPA and PPF. Conclusions: Reversal theory metamotivational categories were found to provide a useful means of examining motives for sport participation and non-participation.