ANALYSIS OF THE SPORT COMMITMENT OF YOUNG WATERPOLISTS: A STUDY GROUNDED IN SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY

Abstract

Miguel Murillo, Javier Sevil, Ángel Abós, Jorge Samper, Alberto Abarca-Sos y Luis García-González

Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between waterpolo players perception on coach interpersonal style, satisfaction and frustration of their basic psychological needs (BPN), self-determined motivation and sport commitment. 77 male water polo players, with ages between 13 and 20 years old (M = 15.00, SD = 1.70), took part in the study. Results showed that players’ perception of autonomy support coaching style was related positively and significantly with the satisfaction of BPN, intrinsic motivation and sport commitment, following established sequence in SDT. However, controlling coaching style was related positively and significantly with the frustration of BPN, amotivation and negatively with sport commitment. The results highlight the importance of coach interpersonal style on motivational processes and the sports commitment of young water polo players.