The Goal Orientations and Life Satisfaction Levels of Male Players Aged 14-15 Called to The Development Camp of National Volleyball Team

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine goal orientations and life satisfaction levels of talented young players, and to show the importance of knowing the player to get them to perform their potential. A total of 72 male volleyball players (aged 14-15) who were invited to the development camp of the national volleyball team participated in the study. Volleyball players’ goal orientations were measured by the Task and Ego Orientation Scale in Sports (TEOSS). The volleyball players’ perceived life satisfaction levels were measured by using the Life Satisfaction Scale (LSS). Descriptives, Pearson’s r, independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA tests were carried out where appropriate. No statistically significant difference was found between experience, considerable achievements, income from the club, or age groups of Ego, Task, and Life Satisfaction mean scores. Players studying at middle school had higher mean scores of task and ego orientation when compared to high school students. Players living in provinces had higher life satisfaction scores than those living in towns. The ego and task orientation scores of the volleyball players with a life satisfaction score of more than 20 were higher than those with a life satisfaction score below 20 (p<.05). The analysis of correlations between Goal Orientations (Ego and Task) and Life Satisfaction revealed positive significant correlations between Task Orientation and Ego Orientation, Task Orientation and Life Satisfaction, and Ego Orientation and Life Satisfaction. As a result, the positive correlation between the life satisfaction and target aspects of the young male players invited to the development camp of the national volleyball team can be used to improve their performance. In goal setting, the use of scientific methodology to determine the motivation environment that will be created according to the players' ego and goal orientation scores can help improve the performance of promising players.