Individual Self-Determination and Relationship Satisfaction of Athletes in Dyadic Sports: Examining the Moderating Role of Dyadic Self-Determination

The main goal of this study was to explore a multilayered hierarchical model of motivation in which the role of self-determination at the dyadic level is expected to moderate the relationship between individual self-determination and both cohesion and relationship quality of athletes in dyadic sports. The sample consisted of 66 athletes from 3 different sports: badminton, figure skating, and synchronized swimming. The participants completed a questionnaire assessing self-determination, relationship quality, and dyadic cohesion. Results indicated that dyadic self-determination moderated the relationship between individual self-determination and cohesion as well as the relationship between individual self-determined motivation and relationship quality. Results are discussed in line with self-determination theory and avenues for future research are proposed.