Analysis of the enjoyment level and intention to persist in young athletes based on the self-determination theory

Abstract

Through the Self-Determination Theory, this study aims to examine the relationship between self-determination levels and satisfaction with basic psychological needs with respect to enjoyment and the intention to persist shown in team sports. The sample comprised 1007 football, basketball, handball and volleyball players, both male and female, who ranged in age from 11 to 16 years old. The results showed that basic psychological needs had a greater relationship and prediction capacity of enjoyment and the intention to persist than the level of self-determination. Concretely, the perception of social relationships and competence were the strongest predictors of those two variables. To conclude, we highlight the need to promote satisfaction with basic psychological needs, mainly social relationships and competence, which would lead to stronger feelings of enjoyment and a firmer intention to continue playing sport.