The role of passion for sport in college student-athletes’ motivation and effort in academics and athletics

Abstract

This study connected the dualistic model of passion and self-determination theory to examine the motivational determinants of student-athlete perceived efforts within- and across- athletic and academic domains. College student-athletes completed questionnaires measuring passion for sport as well as psychological needs (competence, choice, and relatedness), autonomous motivation (intrinsic motivation, identity, and perceived value), and effort in athletics and academics. Results showed that athletic effort was regulated through interest in sport; whereas academic effort was regulated through academic identity and the perceived value of classes. Across-domain relationships emerged between athletic identity and academic effort and between perceived academic value and sport effort. Results revealed a salient role of harmonious passion for sport in psychological needs and autonomous motivation, both within- and across-domains. Obsessive passion for sport was advantageous to athletic identity and perceived sport value, but detrimental to perceived choice of major. Taken together, findings highlight the importance of considering cross-domain spillover effects in student-athletes’ motivation and effort.

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