| dc.description.abstract | Motivation in youth athletes is believed to lead to higher level of engagement and long
lasting sport participation (Chatzisarantis, Hagger, Biddle, Smith & Wang, 2003;
Lonsdale, Hodge & Raedeke, 2007). Based on the Self-determination Theory (SDT;
Deci & Ryan; 1985; 2000), the current study adopted Vallerand´s (1997) model of the
assumed sequential relationship between perceived autonomy support, thwarting and
satisfaction of basic psychological needs, self-determined motivation and athlete
engagement. The hypothesized meditational role of self-determined motivation was also
studied.
Results from a cross-sectional sample of 242 youth ice hockey players offered support
for the proposed model, thus perceived autonomy support was indirect supported.
Partially mediation was confirmed for self-determined motivation in the link between
psychological need satisfaction and athlete engagement. These findings underscore the
importance of need satisfaction (particularly competence and autonomy) in predicting
enduring positive sport experiences. Furthermore, current findings suggest important
differences in perceived intrinsic motivation and core athlete engagement dimensions in
practitioners respectively amount of training hours per week. This suggests that ice
hockey players express differences in their psychological adaption, which ultimately,
may moderate how they invest time in their ice hockey career, and therefore affects
their engagement towards ice hockey. Practical recommendations for coaches are
offered for the adoption of need-supportive training structures that promote support for
the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness. | no_NO |
