The Relationship Between Perceived Coaching Behaviors and Personal Motivation Rates Among Division III Athletes

Miller, Emma

The Relationship Between Perceived Coaching Behaviors and Personal Motivation Rates Among Division III Athletes

Persistent URL

https://hdl.handle.net/10456/59268

Author(s)

Miller, Emma

Date Issued

March 31, 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of perceived coaching behaviors on personal motivation rates among Division III (DIII) athletes. While previous research has predominantly focused on elite athletes, this study addresses a critical gap in the literature regarding DIII athletes, who face unique challenges balancing academic and athletic commitments without the prospect of professional sports careers. This study will focus on two main types of motivation which include intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in an activity out of enjoyment or interest, while extrinsic motivation involves participation driven by external rewards or pressure. This research has four hypotheses which include, 1.) high scoring (always) autocratic behaviors in one’s coaching styles is correlated with a high extrinsic motivation rate in athletes. 2.) High scoring democratic behavior in coaching styles is correlated with a high intrinsic motivation rate in athletes. 3.) High scoring social support behavior in coaching styles is correlated with a high intrinsic motivation rate in athletes. 4.) Lastly, high scoring for positive feedback in coaching behaviors is correlated with a high intrinsic motivation rate in athletes. Utilizing the Revised Leadership Scale for Sports (RLSS) and the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS-28), data will be collected through surveys administered to a sample of athletes (n=35) from Allegheny College. The purpose of the RLSS is to measure coaching behaviors, while the SMS-28 assesses athletes' intrinsic and extrinsic motivation levels. The findings are anticipated to provide valuable insights into effective coaching strategies that enhance both athletic performance and the personal motivation rate in DIII athletes.

Major

Psychology

First Reader(s)

Paulson, Lauren R.