Abstract
In this exploratory study, we examined hypothesized antecedents (basic psychological needs) and consequences (dispositional flow) of athlete engagement (AE); plus the extent to which AE mediated the relationship between basic needs and flow. Structural equation modeling with a sample of 201 elite Canadian athletes (60.20% female, mean age = 22.92 years) showed that needs satisfaction (particularly competence & autonomy) predicted athlete engagement (30% explained variance); and needs satisfaction and athlete engagement predicted dispositional flow (68% explained variance). AE partially mediated the relationship between needs satisfaction and flow. Practical suggestions are offered for needs-supportive coaching programs designed to increase both AE and flow.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 186-202 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| Journal | The Sport Psychologist |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Keywords
- athletes