How perceived autonomy support from adults and peer motivational climate are related with self-determined motivation among young athletes

Assessing the motivational responses of 662 young athletes aged 11-16 years, this study examined a model of motivation that incorporates constructs from achievement goal and self-determination theories. The focus was on the prediction of young athletes’ self-determined motivation from perceived autonomy support from parent and coaches and from dimensions of peer motivational climate. The structural equation modelling analysis supported the model in which autonomy support from parents and coaches as antecedents in forming the perceived peer motivational climate are related to prediction of self-determined motivation. Autonomy support from parents was a stronger predictor of self-determined motivation than autonomy support from coaches. From the dimensions of peer motivational climate, the intra-team competition/ability was the only dimension that had a negative significant direct effect on self-determined motivation. From an applied perspective, these results highlighted the importance of peers as essential influencers, along with adults, on young athletes’ sport motivation.