Motivational climate dimensions predict youth soccer players' psychosocial well-being over time

Objectives: This study tested a longitudinal model of relationships, based on self-determination theory, to determine whether motivational climate dimensions predicted young athletes' psychological need satisfaction and, in turn, personal and social responsibility. Design: We used a longitudinal design. Method: Youth soccer players (N = 161; M = 10.8 years-old, SD = 1.0 year) completed a survey at two time points, spaced 4 months apart, on average. Results: Several significant direct effects emerged. First, greater perceptions that coaches punished for mistakes predicted decreases in relatedness with coaches and teammates. Second, greater perceptions of relatedness with coaches and teammates predicted increases in personal and social responsibility. Indirect effects also emerged: (a) punishment for mistakes predicted decreases in personal responsibility and social responsibility, and (b) cooperative learning predicted increases in social responsibility, through effects on coach and teammate relatedness. Conclusions: Results suggest that coaches who provide opportunities for collaborative learning and minimize mistake-contingent punishment will foster athletes' sense of connection and enhance their psychosocial wellbeing.

Automated summary

This study examines the relationships between psychological need satisfaction, personal and social responsibility in young athletes, using a longitudinal design and self-determination theory. The findings suggest that perceptions of coaches' punishment for mistakes can negatively impact the sense of relatedness with coaches and teammates, which in turn influences personal and social responsibility. Providing opportunities for collaborative learning and minimizing mistake-contingent punishment can enhance athletes' sense of connection and improve their psychosocial well-being.