Performance orientation and injury among military cadets: the mediating role of disinhibition

Abstract

This study examined the mediating role of disinhibition (sensation seeking) on the positive association between performance goal orientation (achievement motivation) and risk of sustaining injury. Our study comprised 248 cadets from three military academies. In support of our hypotheses, we found a positive relationship between performance goal orientation and risk of sustaining injury and that this relationship was mediated by disinhibition. This finding contributes to the extant achievement goal theory literature by demonstrating a mechanism through which performance orientation relates to the likelihood of sustaining an injury. Theoretical and practical implications and directions for future research are discussed.