Motivation in Sport Psychology

Recap of Motivation

  • Definition: Motivation is the direction and intensity of one’s effort.

  • Direction: Seeking out or being attracted to situations.

  • Intensity: The effort put forth in a situation.

  • Both contribute to persistence.

Types of Motivation

  • Intrinsic Motivation: Driven by personal satisfaction; includes interest, challenges, and fulfilling needs.

  • Extrinsic Motivation: Driven by external rewards; includes praise, grades, trophies, and money.

Approaches to Motivation

  • Trait-Centered View: Motivated behavior is a function of individual traits.

  • Situation-Centered View: Motivation is determined by the situation.

  • Interactional View: Combines personal and situational factors.

Motivation Theories

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

  • Levels: Physiological, Safety, Love/Belonging, Esteem, Self-Actualization.

  • Application in sports: Enhances performance, mental health, and coach-athlete relationships.

Achievement Goal Theory

  • Focuses on developing high competence.

  • Two orientations:

    • Task-Goal Orientation: Success is based on personal improvement.

    • Ego-Goal Orientation: Success is based on outperforming others.

Self-Determination Theory

  • Components: Competence, Autonomy, Relatedness.

  • Benefits: Increased intrinsic motivation, perseverance, and well-being.

Cognitive Evaluation Theory

  • Rewards perception influences intrinsic motivation.

  • Two functions of rewards: Control vs. Information.

Self-Efficacy Theory

  • Process: Influenced by efficacy expectations, experiences, and verbal persuasion.

  • Affects choice, effort, and persistence.

McClelland’s Theory of Needs

  • Motivation shaped by achievement, power, and affiliation needs.

Need Achievement Theory

  • Focuses on seeking success vs. avoiding failure behaviors.

  • Characteristics of high/low achievers.

Reinforcement and Motivation

  • Use of rewards and punishments to shape behavior.

  • Positive focus increases chances of desired responses.

Task vs. Ego Orientation

  • Task Orientation: Values effort, views failure as learning, increases motivation.

  • Ego Orientation: Focus on innate ability, often leads to decreased motivation.

Motivational Climate

  • Task Involving: Emphasizes effort and learning.

  • Ego Involving: Focuses on competition and ability differences.

TARGET Model

  • Components: Task, Authority, Recognition, Grouping, Evaluation, Timing.

  • Strategies to enhance motivation through structured environments and supportive practices.