Abstract
Grounded in self-determination theory, the purpose of this study was to develop and empirically test a comprehensive model of factors hypothesized to influence coaches' provision of autonomy-support. These ten factors included ego-involvement, self-determination, motivation efficacy, game strategy efficacy, technique efficacy, character-building efficacy, athletes' intrinsic motivation, athletes' competence, external pressure, and stress. Using a cross-sectional study design, 396 high school coaches completed a survey either online or via paper-and-pencil. Data from respondents with complete data (n=304) were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Fit indices provided support for both the measurement and structural model. Twenty-nine percent of the variance in autonomy-support was explained by the predictors in the model. External pressure was a significant negative predictor of coaches' autonomy supportive behaviors. Overall, findings from this study suggest a key intervention target for the promotion of autonomy-supportive interactional styles between coaches and athletes.
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