Motivational climate dimensions predict youth soccer players’ psychosocial well-being over time

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study tested a longitudinal model of relationships, based on self-determination theory, to determine whether motivational climate dimensions predicted young athletes’ psychological need satisfaction and, in turn, personal and social responsibility. DesignWe used a longitudinal design. MethodYouth soccer players (N = 161; M = 10.8 years-old, SD = 1.0 year) completed a survey at two time points, spaced 4 months apart, on average. ResultsSeveral significant direct effects emerged. First, greater perceptions that coaches punished for mistakes predicted decreases in relatedness with coaches and teammates. Second, greater perceptions of relatedness with coaches and teammates predicted increases in personal and social responsibility. Indirect effects also emerged: (a) punishment for mistakes predicted decreases in personal responsibility and social responsibility, and (b) cooperative learning predicted increases in social responsibility, through effects on coach and teammate relatedness. ConclusionsResults suggest that coaches who provide opportunities for collaborative learning and minimize mistake-contingent punishment will foster athletes’ sense of connection and enhance their psychosocial well-being.