Faculty Publications

Sport Commitment Among Competitive Female Gymnasts: A Developmental Perspective

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Age differences, Motivation, Perceived competence, Social influence

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport

Volume

78

Issue

2

First Page

90

Last Page

102

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine age and competitive level differences in the relationship between determinants and level of sport commitment. Gymnasts (N = 304) comprised three age groups (8–11, 11–14.5, and 14.5–18 years) and two competitive levels (Levels 5–6 and 8–10). Multiple regression analyses revealed: (a) perceived costs and social constraints from parents and best friends were the strongest predictors of commitment for the youngest gymnasts, (b) perceived costs, personal investments, and parent social constraints predicted commitment for 11–14.5-year-old gymnasts, and (c) perceived competence and costs predicted commitment for the oldest gymnasts. Competitive level differences also emerged; for Level 5–6 gymnasts, personal investments, perceived costs, coach social support, and social constraints by coach, best friend, and teammates were predictors of commitment. Personal investments and teammate social constraints were significant predictors for Level 8–10 gymnasts. Developmental factors and additional determinants are important to consider in further studies of the sport commitment model. © 2007 by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

Original Publication Date

1-1-2007

DOI of published version

10.1080/02701367.2007.10599407

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