Abstract
Previous research in Malaysia found that the six important motives, given by students-athletes for sport participation were achievement, body shape, physical fitness, teamwork, learning new skills and for challenges. However, research comparing different ethnic on taking part in sports, especially football is limited. The aim of this study is to find the motives of taking part in sport and level of anxiety among Malay, Chinese and Indians. A hundred and thirty student-athletes from different ethnic background were selected, to respond Purpose of Sport Questionnaire and Competitive State Anxiety Inventory -2 (CSAI-2). The sample was chosen from the Malaysian Sports Council, during Malaysian Inter-Schools Sports Competition. The result showed that the most highest motive for a Chinese ethnic taking part in football for physically active lifestyle, Malays ethnic for mastery or cooperation and Indians for social status or getting ahead. Furthermore, the result revealed that the football players in the categories of Indians ethnic exhibit higher level of competitive anxiety than categories of Malay and Chinese ethnic. Negative correlation noted between the level of motives and anxiety among all ethnics. Sports psychologists, coach or sport officers can use this research to develop appropriate football environment for Malays, Chinese and Indians, to maintain their interest in football.
Highlights
Motives can be defined as the intentions that cause a person to move, act, or to behave in a certain way (Brehm, 2004)
The aim of this study is to find the motives of taking part in sport and level of anxiety among Malay, Chinese and Indians
The results showed that the motive of Chinese ethnic respondents participated in sports were highest in Physically Active Lifestyle, followed by Mastery or Cooperation, Competitiveness, High Status Career, Social Status or Getting Ahead
Summary
Motives can be defined as the intentions that cause a person to move, act, or to behave in a certain way (Brehm, 2004). Motives for participating in sports are many (Wann, 1997). Past studies, showed that the major motives student-athletes have for their participation are enjoying, for arousal, thrills and excitement, achievement, fitness, energy release, skill development, friendship, fun, and to become physically fit, healthy lifestyle Anxiety as a negative emotion with a variety of cognitive, physiological and behavioural symptoms deteriorate sport performance (Weinberg & Gould, 2010; Raglin & Hanin, 2000; Martens, Vealey & Burton, 1990). Anxiety has the tendency to threaten a person’s well being because it increases a person’s worries and doubt (Landers 1999). Anxiety has the tendency to reduce the level of motives
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