Perfiles motivacionales de deportistas adolescentes españoles

Abstract

The aim of this study was to detect possible motivational profiles in a sample of adolescent athletes. Furthermore, the study analysed the differences in the perceived motivational climate’s sub-factors and the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs of the different profiles that were found. A sample of 608 athletes was used, and subjects had a mean age of 14.43 years. The perceived motivational climate (PMCSQ-2), psychological mediators (BPNES), and motivation of the athletes in sport (SMS) were measured. Cluster analysis revealed two profiles. A highly motivated profile, with high scores in both forms of motivation: self-determined (intrinsic motivation and identified regulation) and non-self-determined motivation (introjected and external regulation), save for amotivation; and a moderately motivated profile, with moderate scores (around 3 and 4) in forms of self-determined and non-determined motivation. In the multivariate analysis of the perceived motivational climate’s sub-factors and of the basic psychological needs according to the profile, significant differences were found in favour of the highly motivated profile both for the task-involving climate and egoinvolving climate sub-factors, as well as for the three psychological mediators. The results are discussed in regard to the importance of encouraging a climate that involves tasks and that tries to satisfy the need for autonomy, competence, and relationships with others during training sessions in order to obtain more self-determined motivational profiles.