Effects of achievement goals on perceptions of success and achievement emotions in minority children

Obesity is a global epidemic even more so for some minority groups. Physical activity is one arm in the fight against obesity. Research has demonstrated that engagement in physical activity is predicted by positive emotions and perceptions; thus, the activity chosen to help burn calories must be enjoyable for sustained engagement. The present experiment examined the effects of manipulated achievement goal climates (mastery, performance approach and performance avoidance) on perception of success and discrete achievement emotions in Hispanic and African-American 4th and 5th grade students. After performing a dribbling task, perception of success, pride, shame, and frustration were assessed. After accounting for the children’s performance expectancies, the mastery participants reported greater perceptions of success (p<.05) as well as less frustration (p<.05) compared to the performance groups. Taken together, the present experiment suggested that the manipulation of the trichotomous goals significantly affects perceptions of success and the discrete achievement of frustration. Some support was found for pride. Future experimental research in a variety of population samples is warranted to clarify and extend achievement goal and discrete achievement emotion relationships with physical activity participation

Winning in Weight-loss: The Interaction of Conscientiousness and Perceived Autonomy

ABSTRACT Background Understanding determinants for weight-loss is a national priority. Obesity is an epidemic with serious health consequences. Most of today’s obesity and overweight problems are being attributed to poor diets and not enough physical activity. These problems show no signs of slowing down with the behaviors of most Americans. The phenomenon of “The Biggest Loser” (different variants of weight-loss programs that consist of group exercise participation and nutrition therapy to elicit weight-loss, and hopefully behavior change) has spawned many variants in commercial health clubs. This prospectus study examined the direct and interactive or moderated effects of known determinants of healthy behaviors. Those determinants were conscientiousness and perceived autonomy support. Thus, the purpose of this prospective study was to examine these two determinants of adhering to a variant of “The Biggest Loser” to gain more scientific knowledge of predictors of those that are successful in such commercial programs. Methods Participants were 64 adults who completed measures of conscientiousness and perceived autonomy support along with a number of other measures being taken such as weight, attendance, and relative autonomy for exercise prior to and during the 12-week Weight-loss program. Participants’ attendance was kept based on showing up to the five scheduled weight and body fat percentage measurements time points during the 12-week program. At final weigh-in, the participants completed the measure of perceived autonomy support from their group exercise leader. Results Overall, conscientiousness appeared to be the most influential variable in the prospective study. It correlated with relative autonomy (r=.26, M=11.36, SD=6.43), perceived leader autonomy support (r=.08, M=5.32, SD=1.58, α=.97), attendance (r=.14, M=3.84, SD=1.31), and change in weight (r=-.09, M=-15.26, SD=29.06).Results from the moderated regression analyses, one set for attendance and the other for change in weight, suggested that conscientiousness was the major determinant in this prospective study though admitted the correlations were small in magnitude. Conclusions As hypothesized, the interaction of autonomy support (high) and conscientiousness (high) yielded the greatest amount of weight loss. Thus, for the sample in this prospective study, best results were found in highly conscientiousness participants that perceived their group exercise leader to provide a great deal of autonomy support. Future, studies should investigate environmental factors to increase both participant conscientiousness (e.g., reminder phone calls) and leader provided autonomy support

Discriminant validity of the positive and negative processes in the C–A–P Questionnaire

Globally, youth sport is highly valued and prevalent. Coaches, athletes, and parents are the main players. To date no one measure quantifies these vital interactions. To rectify this surprising omission, the Positive and Negative Processes in the C–A–P Questionnaire (PNPCAP) was developed in the Lithuanian language. This study sought to further the development of the PNPCAP by providing evidence for discriminant validity. To achieve this purpose, 192 females (M age = 13.64, SD = 1.59) and 239 males (M age = 14.02, SD = 1.50) completed the PNPCAP measure along with the Perceptions of Success Questionnaire, Sport Climate Questionnaire, Self-Determination Scale and provided some youth sport participation information. The resultant correlation matrix provided evidence of discriminant validity as the pattern verified the hypothesized relationship in that positive and significant correlations were found with the C–A–P positive process scale and the task orientation, self-determined awareness of self and perceived choice, and perceived autonomy support. Negative and significant correlations were found with the C–A–P negative process scale and the task orientation, self-determined awareness of self and perceived choice, and perceived autonomy support. Researchers are encouraged to translate and use the PNPCAP in youth sport settings to better the youth sport experience for athletes and their parents and coaches.This Project/Research was funded by the European Social Fund (Project No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-02-0083)

The Effectiveness of a Community Based High Intensity Interval Training Program on Markers of Physical Health

Community outreach programs targets at low Social Economic Status (SES) have been established to improve living conditions and educational programs in hopes of improving SES status. Despite community outreach programs targeting low SES, there has been no research looking at the efficacy of a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) exercise intervention program to improve wellbeing. The primary purpose of this study is to examine how 8 weeks of HIIT will affect markers of physical health. The secondary purpose of this study is to determine if HIIT is sufficient enough to benefit low SES or if other interventions are needed to sustain positive results. Participants (n= 18) were recruited through local churches located near low income areas. Criterion for this study included: the age of participants to be between 18- 75, no current musculoskeletal injury, and clearance from a physician to perform physical activity. Pre testing measurements (height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and strength assessments) were taken at Texas Tech Human Performance Lab. Strength assessments consisted of Maximal voluntary isometric contractions of the leg flexors and extensors at 60º of flexion, maximal voluntary isokinetic contraction of the leg flexors and extensors at 60 and 240º/sec. Participants also performed vertical jumps on a force platform. An 8 week HIIT program was then implemented which required the participant to exercise on stationary bikes 2x a week. The program was designed to start out at a low intensity over longer periods then progress to higher intensities over short time periods. Throughout the study, participants wore activity tracker watches that counted the amount of movement performed. This allowed for controlled activity levels outside of HIIT. Only eleven participants completed both pre and posttest measurements as there was a 38% drop out rate. Data analysis revealed that no changes in HR, blood pressure, Max force (N), RPD (W/s), isometric or isokinetic strength. However, participants did show an increase in weight (P=.0096), Vertical Jump Height (P= .0475), and Max Power (P=.0153). Although participants did show improvement in certain areas of strength no markers of health improved and even an increase in weight was observed. Based off of the activity trackers, physical activity levels went down. We determined that the participants weren’t as physically active once joining the study because they figured our intervention was enough. Based on our results we suggested that future studies or community outreach programs incorporate other interventions with HIIT such as a weight loss programs and education in order to maximize health improvement in low income family’s physical health

Nošenje s problemima u sportu: testiranje eliotova hijerarhijskog modela motivacije pristupanja i izbjegavanja

Effective coping during athletic competition has been shown to benefit performance. This study was designed to investigate the direct and indirect effects of personality and achievement motivation on athletes’ coping style. Elliot’s Hierarchical Model of Approach and Avoidance Motivation (Elliot, 1999; Elliot & Church, 1997) was used as the framework to assess participants’ (N=258) temperament and achievement goal tendencies. The Coping Function Questionnaire for Sport (Kowalski & Crocker, 2001) assessed coping style (i.e. problem, emotion, and avoidance). Results indicated a positive relationship between approach temperament and problem-focused coping as well as avoidance temperament and avoidance coping. Mediation analysis revealed a small indirect effect between approach temperament, mastery approach goals, and problemfocused coping. In addition, a small indirect effect existed between avoidance temperament, mastery avoidance goals, and avoidance coping. These findings illuminate the relationship between personality and coping, and suggest that constructs found within Elliot’s hierarchical model can help predict the coping style an athlete will likely adopt during competition.Istraživanja su pokazala da učinkovito nošenje s problemima tijekom sportskog natjecanja pozitivno utječe na uspješnost. Cilj je ovog istraživanja bio istražiti direktne i indirektne učinke osobina ličnosti i motivacije za postignuće na sportašev stil nošenja s problemima. Eliotov Hijerarhijski model motivacije rješavanja i izbjegavanja problema (Elliot & Thrash, 1997; 2010) koristio se kao okvir za utvrđivanje temperamenta ispitanika (N=258) te njihovih tendencija u usmjerenosti prema ciljevima. Stil nošenja s problemima (tj. problem, emocije i izbjegavanje) bio je utvrđen pomoću upitnika Coping Function Questionnaire for Sport (Kowalski & Crocker, 2001). Rezultati su ukazali na pozitivnu korelaciju između temperamenta pristupanju problemima i fokusiranog suočavanja s problemom, kao i između temperamenta izbjegavanja i izbjegavanja suočavanja s problemom. Medijacijska analiza je ukazala i na malu indirektnu povezanost između temperamenta pristupanja, pristupa usmjerenosti na usavršavanje vještine i fokusiranog suočavanja s problemima. Dodatno, mala indirektna povezanost postoji između temperamenta izbjegavanja, izbjegavanja usmjerenosti na usavršavanje vještine i izbjegavanja suočavanja s problemima. Rezultati rasvjetljavaju odnose između osobnosti i sposobnosti nošenja s problemima te sugeriraju da Eliotov hijerarhijski model može pomoći u predviđanju stila nošenja s problemima koji će sportaš vjerojatno primijeniti tijekom natjecanja

The relationship between self-presentation concerns and pre-game affect among adolescent American football players

AbstractBackgroundThe influence of self-presentation concerns on the adolescent sport experience has received scant empirical attention. The purpose of this investigation was to prospectively examine the relationship among self-presentational concerns and pre-game affective states among middle and high school aged football players.MethodsAmerican football players (n = 112; mean age = 15.57 years) completed a measure of self-presentational concerns (SPSQ, McGowan, et al., 2008) a week prior to the measurement of selected pre-game affective states (i.e., attentiveness, self-assurance, serenity, and fear).ResultsRegression analyses revealed that concerns about appearing athletically untalented negatively contributed to the significant prediction (p < 0.001) of pre-game attentiveness, β = −0.43, R2adj = 19.5% (p < 0.001), and self-assurance, β = −0.38, R2adj = 11.9% (p < 0.01).ConclusionThese findings highlight the importance of reducing self-presentational concerns in promoting positive pre-game mental states that likely impact the quality of athletes' competitive play and experience

Task and Ego Goal Orientations across the Youth Sports Experience

Since the late 1980s, Achievement Goal Theory (AGT) has flourished in the competitive sports research across all age groups. One central proposition is the undifferentiated conception of ability exist until approximately 12 years of age. Given the volume of AGT age-specific studies, quantitative analysis of available youth studies allows for examining whether the goal orientations (i.e., task and ego) scores change based on age (i.e., undifferentiated to the differentiated conception of ability). Hence, the purpose of this quantitative based review was to determine whether task and ego orientation values differ based on age. To achieve our objective, we conducted a meta-analysis with 16 studies meeting specified inclusion criteria one being the use of Perceptions of Success in Sport Questionnaire (POSQ) resulting in 19 samples. The total sample size was 5,679 with 14 studies with mean samples greater than 13-years of age and five equal to or under 12-years of age. The articles came from seven different countries with the USA and Norway accounting exactly half of all represented countries. There was a mix of sports played. Results demonstrated that ego orientation scores did not differ by age category. Initially, task orientation scores appeared to decrease after the age of 12. However, with one outlier removed, a lack of statistical significance (p > .05) resulted. Theoretically, children move in youth to a differentiated conception of ability. It appears even though ability becomes not equal to effort in the minds of youth that self-reported goal orientation values as measured by the POSQ are stable. The implication of such results are many. One being children in competitive sports seemingly have a stable ego orientation score. A critical future research question concerns goal orientation differences among recreational youth sports participation as well as youth who discontinue both competitive and recreational sports participation. The role of goal orientations across these groupings and influence on participation rates is unknown.Since the late 1980s, Achievement Goal Theory (AGT) has flourished in competitive sports research across all age groups. One central proposition is the undifferentiated conception of ability which exists until approximately 12 years of age. Given the volume of AGT age-specific studies, quantitative analysis of available youth studies allows for the examination of whether the goal orientations (i.e., task and ego) scores change based on age (i.e., undifferentiated to the differentiated conception of ability). Hence, the purpose of this quantitative based review was to determine whether task and ego orientation values differ based on age. To achieve our objective, we conducted a meta-analysis with 16 studies meeting specified inclusion criteria one being the use of Perceptions of Success in Sport Questionnaire (POSQ) resulting in 19 samples. The total sample size was 5,679 with 14 studies with mean samples greater than 13-years of age and five equal to or under 12-years of age. The articles came from seven different countries with the USA and Norway accounting exactly for half of all represented countries. There was a mix of sports played. Results demonstrated that ego orientation scores did not differ by age category. Initially, task orientation scores appeared to decrease after the age of 12. However, with one outlier removed, a lack of statistical significance (p > .05) resulted. Theoretically, children move in youth to a differentiated conception of ability. It appears even though ability becomes less equal to effort in the minds of youth that self-reported goal orientation values as measured by the POSQ are stable. The implication of such results are numerous. One being children in competitive sports seemingly have a stable ego orientation score. A critical future research question is concerned with goal orientation differences among recreational youth sports participation as well as youth who discontinue both competitive and recreational sports participation. The role of goal orientations across these groupings and influence on participation rates is unknown

The Relationship Between Self-Presentation Concerns and Pre-Game Affect among Adolescent Football Players

Background: The influence of self-presentation concerns on the adolescent sport experience has received scant empirical attention. The purpose of this investigation was to prospectively examine the relationship among self-presentational concerns and pre-game affective states among middle and high school aged football players. Methods: American football players (n = 112; mean age = 15.57 years) completed a measure of self-presentational concerns (SPSQ, McGowan, et al., 2008) a week prior to the measurement of selected pre-game affective states (i.e., attentiveness, self-assurance, serenity, and fear). Results: Regression analyses revealed that concerns about appearing athletically untalented negatively contributed to the significant prediction ( p \u3c 0.001) of pre-game attentiveness, b = 0.43, R2 adj = 19.5% ( p \u3c 0.001), and self-assurance, b = 0.38, R2 adj = 11.9% ( p \u3c 0.01). Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of reducing self-presentational concerns in promoting positive pre-game mental states that likely impact the quality of athletes’ competitive play and experience

Relationships Between Anthropometric and Performance Variables in Youth: Predictors of Lower-Body Vertical Jump Peak Power

ABSTRACT Anthropometric and physical performance measurements are commonly used for identifying specific physical traits in youth. Laboratory-based tests (e.g., linear velocity transducers), while accurate, provide practical limitations due to high costs and technical necessities. Thus, commonly used field tests may be useful alternatives for assessing fitness/performance characteristics of youth. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between anthropometric measures and lower-and upper-body power and strength measures; and to assess the predictive ability of these measures for lower-body vertical jump peak power (PP) output in youth. Thirty-nine pre-adolescent (mean±SD, range: age=7.8±1.7, 5-12 years) children volunteered to participate in this investigation. Subjects were measured for body mass and stature on a calibrated physicians scale. Lower-body PP was assessed using a linear velocity transducer, which was attached to the posterior side of a belt that was securely fastened to the subjects’ waistline. Subjects performed countermovement jumps, starting in a standing position, with hands placed on hips and feet firmly on the ground. Following the descent to the midpoint position and without pause, the subjects exploded upward as hard and fast as possible. Broad jump testing involved subjects performing a countermovement jump in the horizontal direction, on a scaled mat. Maximum isometric hand grip strength of the dominant hand was assessed using a dynamometer. For all testing, 1-2 practice trials were performed, followed by testing consisting of 2-3 trials. The highest trial was used for analyses. Peak power values were normalized to body mass using allometric scaling procedures (PP· body mass-0.67). Pearson correlation (r) and stepwise linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships. Results indicated all variables (age, stature, body mass, broad jump and grip strength) were significantly correlated (r=0.38-0.64) to PP. Age was correlated to all variables (r=0.39-0.82) and stature and body mass were correlated to all variables (r=0.37-0.77) except broad jump. Broad jump was correlated only to age (r=0.39) and PP (r=0.38). Linear regression for all variables revealed that stature was the only variable entered into the model (R=0.64; R2=0.41). With the anthropometric variables removed, grip strength was the only variable entered into the model (R=0.57; R2=0.32). These findings suggest that while all the anthropometric and performance variables may be correlated to PP, only stature and grip strength were effective, and thus, necessary to predict PP abilities. Interestingly, broad jump performance was not a good predictor of lower body vertical PP

Revisiting the self-confidence and sport performance relationship: A systematic review with meta-analysis

© 2022 The Authors. Published by MDPI. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence. The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116381Self-confidence is a common research topic, and most applied textbooks include interventions designed to enhance athlete confidence. Our purpose was to quantify the self-confidence and sport performance literature using meta-analytic techniques. We also examined potential risk of bias indicators, and the moderation effects of study quality, sport characteristics, timing of confidence measurement, and individual differences among participants. Following a review of two past meta-analyses, a systematic search of APA PsycArticles, ERIC, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsychINFO, and SPORTDiscus within the EBSCOhost platform, and some hand searching, 41 articles published between 1986 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria. Collectively, the included studies investigated 3711 athletes from 15 countries across 24 sports. The overall random effects estimate of the relationship (expressed as r) between self-confidence and performance was 0.25 (95% CI 0.19, 0.30), with little evidence of publication bias. The summed total risk of the individual study bias score did not moderate the confidence–performance relationship, whereas significant moderator effects emerged for individual sports (0.29) compared with team sports (0.14), objective (0.29) compared to subjective (0.14) performance measures, and 100% male (0.35) compared to 100% female (0.07) samples. In conclusion, the confidence–performance relationship is small in magnitude, nearly free of bias, and moderated by sport type, performance objectivity, and athlete sex.This research was funded by the Texas Tech University Office of the Vice-Provost and the Texas Tech University TrUE SPARK program. MS was funded by Texas Tech University Office of the Vice-Provost. CS and SC were funded by Texas Tech University TrUE SPARK program.Published versio