Native American football coaches’ experience of a motivational climate collaboration with sport psychology researchers

Abstract

This study explored the effects of a motivational climate collaboration based on Achievement Goal Perspective Theory and a caring framework between a Native American collegiate football coaching staff and sport psychology researchers. Observations conducted during the implementation of the motivational climate collaboration revealed that three of the eight coaches were less caring and more ego-involving in their coaching style. These three coaches were selected to participate in interviews at the end of the season to explore their experiences of the collaboration. Analysis of interviews revealed the following themes: (a) previous experiences in ego-involving climates; (b) tension in moving from theory to practice; (c) connecting theory to practice; and (d) transformations in coaching philosophies. This study highlights how a theory-based motivational climate collaboration between coaches and sport psychology researchers had a transformative effect for three coaches.