Coaching Styles and the Basic Psychological Need Fulfillment of College Athletes

Author

Kelsey Louise Byrd, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2018.108
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1904

Date of Award

6-2018

Degree Name

MS in Agriculture - Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management

Department/Program

Agricultural Education and Communication

Advisor

Brian Greenwood

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent a coach’s coaching style is associated with the athlete’s basic psychological needs fulfillment of autonomy, competence and relatedness. A survey was distributed to 204 varsity student-athletes at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo representing 13 teams. The data were used to determine the impact of coaching style on the athlete’s fulfillment of autonomy, competence and relatedness. An authoritative head coaching style was found to have a positive impact on an athlete’s fulfillment of autonomy, competence and relatedness. A similar result was found for assistant coaches. Overall, these findings can help coaches and athletic departments.