Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior in Sport: The Role of Coaching Style, Autonomous vs Controlled Motivation and Moral Disengagement Research Completed

Title

Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior in Sport: The Role of Coaching Style, Autonomous vs Controlled Motivation and Moral Disengagement

Lead Author

Ken Hodge , Chris Lonsdale

Organisation(s)

University of Otago, School of Physical Education and University of Western Sydney

Publication Year

2011

Publisher

Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 2011, 33, 527-547

Contacts

Ken Hodge, Associate Professor

School of Physical Education

University of Otago

E-mail: ken.hodge@sportnz.org.nz

 

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the relationships between contextual factors (i.e., autonomy-supportive vs. controlling coaching style) and person factors (i.e., autonomous vs. controlled motivation) outlined in self-determination

theory (SDT) were related to prosocial and antisocial behaviors in sport.

 

We also investigated moral disengagement as a mediator of these relationships. Athletes’ (n = 292, M = 19.53 years) responses largely supported our SDT-derived hypotheses.

 

Results indicated that an autonomy-supportive coaching style was associated with prosocial behavior toward teammates; this relationship was mediated by autonomous motivation. Controlled motivation was associated with antisocial behavior toward teammates and antisocial behavior toward opponents, and these

two relationships were mediated by moral disengagement. The results provide support for research investigating the effect of autonomy-supportive coaching interventions on athletes’ prosocial and antisocial behavior.

 

Keywords:

Autonomy-supportive coaching style, controlling coaching style, self-determination theory

 

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Added

November 20, 2012

Last Modified

November 20, 2012