Achievement goals and emotions in competitive sport

Dewar, Andrew James (2012). Achievement goals and emotions in competitive sport. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The main aim of this thesis was to investigate the relationships between goal involvement and emotions and potential mediators and moderators of these relationships; a secondary aim was to examine the link between goal involvement and sport performance. The relationships between goal involvement and emotions experienced before, during, and after competition were examined in Studies 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Cognitive appraisals (Study 1) and perceived performance (Studies 2 & 3) were examined as mediators of the links between task involvement and emotions. Also, perceived competence (Study 1), perceived performance (Studies 2 & 3), and outcome of the match (Study 3) were investigated as moderators of the relationships between ego involvement and emotions. Finally, the effects of achievement goals on emotions and performance were experimentally tested in a speed-agility task (Study 4). Overall, task involvement was positively related to positive, and negatively associated with negative, emotions; challenge appraisal and perceived performance helped explain the majority of these links. Also, some relationships between ego involvement and emotions were moderated by perceived performance and outcome. These findings suggest athletes should be task involved before or during competition and that ego involvement can be beneficial for emotions when perceived performance is high.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):