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Article

Cognitive and Affective Motivation Profiles of Student-Athletes Compared to Student Non-Athletes in University

Details

Citation

Parker PC, Perry RP, Hamm JM, Chipperfield JG, Li J, Leboe-McGowan L & Coffee P (2022) Cognitive and Affective Motivation Profiles of Student-Athletes Compared to Student Non-Athletes in University. Journal of Contemporary Athletics.

Abstract
Background: Attribution theory posits that individuals¡¯ explanations for their achievement outcomes trigger cognitive and affective processes that drive motivated behaviour (Weiner, 2018). Objective: This study examines the relational structure of these processes for individuals who experience simultaneous demands arising from disparate achievement settings (sport and academic) and how they are associated with performance. ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍø groups: Postsecondary student-athletes (n = 207) participating in sport competitively (participating 5x or greater per week) and students not involved in sport (n = 534) were examined. Methods: Using latent profile analyses, our study identifies attribution-based motivation profiles for student-athletes and students not involved in sport in a two-semester, online introductory university course. Results: Student-athletes¡¯ cognitions and emotions yielded three motivation profiles: high control-positive emotion (56%), moderate control-emotion (29%), and low control-negative emotion (15%). In contrast, LPA for student non-athletes yielded four profiles: high control-positive emotion (27%), high control-mixed attribution (25%), moderate control-emotion (30%), and low control-negative emotion (18%). Of these profiles, theoretically predicted adaptive and maladaptive profiles were associated with better and worse performance, respectively. Conclusions: Relative to student non-athletes, student-athletes exhibited more homogenous motivation profiles and were at greater risk of achievement setbacks. The implications of the findings are discussed in light of the demands placed on student-athletes entering postsecondary settings and potential approaches are offered to assist those with at-risk motivation profiles.

Keywords
sport; student-athletes; attributions; achievement motivation

Notes
Output Status: Forthcoming

Journal
Journal of Contemporary Athletics

StatusAccepted
Date accepted by journal24/01/2022
URL
eISSN1554-9933