Motivation in Sport
Motivation -- Overview
One of the more important themes in
psychology
Widely researched in sport & exercise
What factor(s) lead us to engage in the
behaviors that we do?
Katie Spotz
Interview w D. Sawyer
(iSkysoft)
Motivation
Motivation -- Purpose for or cause of an
action:
» Energizes behaviors, &
» Directs that energy toward a goal
» It is the Energy for Action
Human behavior directed by physiological
needs and psychological needs/wants
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Hunger/thirst
Need for connection/contact/sex
Need for stimulation/exploration
Need to improve self, to live up to one’s
potential
Motivation Terms
Intrinsic motivation
» Motivation derived from an internal source
Extrinsic motivation
» Motivated by some outside force
Motivation is a function of individual via
environment
Interactionist model of
motivation
Combined effect of
personal (individual
factors) &
(environment)
situational factors
Lewin (1936)
B = f(P, E)
Example: Bo Eason
Optimal Motivational Profile
What might an optimal profile look like?
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Self-discipline
Enjoyment
Realistic self-confidence
Attitude toward failure (growth vs. fixed mindset)
Goal-directed
Other factors?
Participatory Motives
Some questions:
» Why do people start participating?
» Why do people stop participating or decide
to continue?
» Research is primarily conducted with youth
sport
Participatory Motives
Parents are initial socializing agents
Peers begin to increase in importance
around age 10 and continue to increase
with age
Participatory Motives
»Self-Determination Theory
– Developed at U of Rochester (Deci & Ryan)
– Not sport-specific
– A broad framework for studying motivation
– Proposes that we have three basic psychological
needs: Autonomy, competence, and relationship
– For more, see: Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination
theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and
well-being. American Psychologist, 55, 68-78.
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You never hear…
“Dr., how can I motivate my two-year old
to play?!”
Why not?
Autonomy
The urge to be a ¨causal agent” in one’s
own life.
» Volition, willingness, and choice
» Interest and enjoyment
» Acting in concert with deeply held values
» Leads to more creativity and persistence,
teamwork, and psychological/physical health
(Compare this to “controlled” motivation, which is the
carrot/stick model. Typically, whether coerced or
rewarded, the person usually works towards the shortest
path to success.)
Competence
Seeking to achieve
mastery
The inherent reward of
success/mastery
We should structure
sports and practices so
that competence is
gained (at any level).
Think about deliberate
practice…
Relatedness
We are SOCIAL animals:
We have a need to:
» Connect
» Interact
» Experience caring for and from others