Motivation Profiles of Student-Athletes and Nonathletes in Competitive Achievement Settings

• In Event: 67.068 - MTCC Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: 67.068-9 - Athletic Experiences of Student Athletes in Context

Abstract

Attribution theory (Weiner, 1985, 2018) posits that individuals' explanations for outcomes are motivationally linked to future cognitive and affective factors. Limited research has examined factors that make up motivation profiles for student-athletes. Motivation profiles for competitive student-athletes (n=207) and non-athletes (n=534) in a university course were identified based on cognitions, performance-attributions, and emotions. For athletes, latent profile analysis (LPA) based on perceived control, ability-and strategy-attributions, perceived stress, and academic hope and helplessness yielded three best-suited profiles: motivated (56%), ambivalent (29%), and helpless (15%). LPA for non-athletes yielded four best-suited profiles: motivated (27%), engaged (25%), ambivalent (30%), and helpless (18%). Findings suggest student-athletes have fewer motivation profiles and may be more motivationally at-risk when profiles were validated with a course-based test.

Authors

• Patti C. Parker, University of Manitoba

• Raymond P. Perry, University of Manitoba

• Jeremy M. Hamm, Concordia University

• Judy Chipperfield, University of Manitoba

• Rodney Clifton, University of Manitoba

• Launa Leboe-McGowan, University of Manitoba

• Pete Coffee, University of Stirling