Abstract:
Motivation to perform and coping with stress during performance are key factors in
determining numerous outcomes of sporting performance. However, less evidence is
in place assessing their relationship. The aim of this investigation was to assess the
relationship between athlete motivation and the coping strategies used to deal with
stress during their sporting performance, as well as the relationship between
motivation and affect and coping and affect. One hundred and forty five university
athletes completed questionnaires. Regressions revealed that two of the three self
determined levels of motivation, identified and integrated regulation, predicted
increased task-oriented coping strategies. Two of the three non-self determined levels
of motivation, amotivation and external regulation, significantly predicted
disengagement-oriented coping. Additionally, intrinsic motivation and task-oriented
coping predicted increase positive affect. Increased disengagement-oriented coping
predicted decreased positive affect. Disengagement-oriented coping significantly
predicted increased negative affect. These findings increase understanding of
motivations role in predicting athletes coping.
