Effects on the perception of the motivational climate created by coaches and teammates on enjoyment and commitment. Gender differences.

Abstract

This study describes the perception of the motivational climate created by coaches and teammates in a sample of young athletes; gender differences and the effect of motivational climates on enjoyment and commitment were analysed. 121 athletes with a mean age of 14.39 years (Mage= 14.39; SD= .96, 39 girls and 82 boys) completed the spanish versions of the motivational climate instruments promoted by the coach, motivational climate promoted by teammates and commitment to sport. The results showed that girls perceived a significantly higher motivational climate related to task involvement and a significantly lower ego involvement than boys both in the case of the climate created by the coach as well as the climate created by teammates. Female athletes enjoyed themselves significantly more and were also significantly more committed to sports than boys. The main predictor of commitment was the creation of a climate of task involvement by coaches and teammates. As a result, it would be advisable for intervention programmes to lay particularly emphasis on creating motivational climates related to task involvement.