Perceived Controlling Coach Behaviors and Female College Athletesʼ Motivation

Using self-determination theory as a framework, the present study examined the effects of female college athletesʼ perceptions of controlling behaviors by coaches on their motivation toward sports. Specifically, this study examined whether basic psychological needs (satisfaction and frustration) mediated the relationships between perceived controlling coach behaviors and athletesʼ motivation. Female college student-athletes (N=243) completed questionnaires assessing perceived controlling coach behaviors, as well as their motivation (intrinsic motivation and amotivation) and perceptions of psychological need satisfaction and frustration. Structural equation modeling indicated support for a mediational effect. Specifically, the results indicated that controlling coach behaviors significantly predicted psychological need frustration, which, in turn, predicted amotivation. Therefore, it is suggested that controlling behaviors by coaches increase psychological need frustration and facilitate amotivation in female college athletes.