Abstract
Background: While the association between self-efficacy and sports success has been well established in previous studies, little is known regarding whether the basic approach motivation system contributes to this relationship in athletes. The study examines associations between self-reported temperamental approach disposition, self-efficacy, and predispositions to sports success in athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed between August 3 and 30 November 2020. The participants were 156 athletes, aged 16–34 years (M = 21.57, SD = 3.58, 41.67% women), in two groups: 54 elite athletes in speed skating (EASS) and 102 physical education students (PES). The online survey consisted of the Reinforced Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and Sports Success Scale (SSS). Results: There were no differences in self-efficacy and sports success in terms of gender, sports discipline, and level of competitions. The Behavioral Activation System (BAS) results were lower in the EASS sample compared with in the PES group. Self-efficacy plays a mediating role in the relationships between BAS and sports success among athletes, with sport discipline as a moderator between BAS and self-efficacy. Sports success in speed skating relies strongly on BAS, while a weak link has been found in other sports disciplines. Conclusions: BAS is directly correlated to sports success and indirectly related through self-efficacy. Mental training should be focused on maintaining self-efficacy and reward motivation in athletes to increase their sports success.
Highlights
IntroductionAccording to Bandura [1,2], self-efficacy can be understood as belief in one’s abilities or as a kind of expectation or assessment of one’s own ability to cope with a given situation concerning skills and circumstances
Individual differences in motivational systems related to temperamental approach and avoidance dispositions and self-efficacy contribute to self-report predispositions to sports success
The study found a specific pattern of associations between self-efficacy, approach temperamental disposition, and sports success in elite athletes representing speed skating and among physical education students (PES) representing various sports
Summary
According to Bandura [1,2], self-efficacy can be understood as belief in one’s abilities or as a kind of expectation or assessment of one’s own ability to cope with a given situation concerning skills and circumstances. Self-efficacy is related to self-regulation and is understood as controlling and modulating one’s behavior to achieve goals. Research indicates that people who believe in their effectiveness can outperform those who misjudge their coping skills [1]. High levels of self-efficacy are associated positively with academic success [3,4], maintaining physical activity [5–11], and better sports performance [11–23]. The meta-analysis of 45 studies showed a moderate correlation (r = 0.38) between selfefficacy and sports performance [11]. Research indicated that high self-efficacy positively influences physical activity enjoyment [8] and can facilitate the effectiveness of imagery
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