The 2 × 2 model of perfectionism and negative experiences in youth sport

Abstract

ObjectivesResearch has found that the four subtypes of perfectionism from the 2 × 2 model of perfectionism (i.e., Non-perfectionism, Pure PSP, Pure ECP, and Mixed perfectionism) are associated with different youth sport experiences. Extending this research, the current study examined the 2 × 2 model in regard to undesirable outcomes indicative of negative experiences in youth sport: negative (and positive) affect, anxiety, antisocial (and prosocial) behavior, and intentions to dropout of sport. DesignA cross-sectional design was employed. MethodTwo hundred and twenty-two youth sports participants (65 males, 157 females, M age = 13.51 years, SD = 1.53 years, range = 11–18 years) were recruited from a variety of school- and community-based sports and completed a multi-section questionnaire. ResultsRegression analyses revealed that, for the most part, Pure ECP was associated with the most negative experiences (higher negative affect, anxiety, and intentions to dropout and lower positive affect) and Pure PSP was, typically, associated with the least negative experiences (lower negative affect, anxiety, antisocial behavior, and intentions to dropout and higher positive affect) in youth sport. One notable exception was antisocial behavior towards teammates and competitors for which Mixed perfectionism was most problematic. ConclusionThe findings suggest that the four subtypes of perfectionism can be distinguished based on their association with both negative and positive experiences in youth sport.