Motivation in Sport Psychology

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to motivation in sports psychology.

Motivation

Internal processes such as needs, thoughts, and emotions that give behavior energy and direction.

Key Components of Motivation

Choice (direction of effort), Effort (intensity of effort), Persistence (maintenance of effort over time).

Trait-Centered View

Motivation is driven by individual characteristics like personality and needs.

Situation-Centered View

Motivation is influenced by the environment or situation.

Interactional View of Motivation

The best way to understand motivation is through the interaction of personality and situation.

Cognitive Approach to Motivation

Emphasizes the role of thought patterns and cognitive habits in motivation.

Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

Focuses on intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation and three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Cognitive Evaluation Theory (CET)

Focuses on how rewards affect intrinsic motivation, distinguishing between informational and controlling rewards.

Amotivation

Lack of motivation or interest.

Intrinsic Motivation

Behavior done for personal enjoyment and satisfaction.

Goal Contents Theory (GCT)

It focuses on intrinsic and extrinsic goals.

Achievement Goal Theory (AGT)

People define success and failure differently based on task or ego goal orientation.

SMART Goals

A framework for setting clear, achievable goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

Volition

The mental process that drives goal-directed actions despite challenges.

Self-Control

The limited resource that can be depleted through overuse, impacting performance and decision-making.

Social Support

Emotional, instrumental, and motivational support provided by others that enhances motivation.

Flow State

A mental state where athletes are fully immersed and focused on the activity, often leading to peak performance.

Causality Orientations Theory (COT)

Focuses on personality-level constructs like locus of control: Autonomous, Controlled, and Impersonal orientations.

Achievement Motive

A strong desire to excel and achieve success, driving performance.

Affiliation Motive

The desire to establish and maintain positive social relationships.

Power Motive

The desire to have an impact, influence, or control over others.