Implicit Theories of Achievement and the Sport Experience: Effect of Goal Orientations on Achievement Strategies and Perspectives

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of holding either a task- or an ego-oriented goal perspective on the perception of the purpose of sport, achievement strategies in practice and competition, satisfaction, and focus in competition. A total of 338 young adults were assessed for task- and ego-oriented achievement goals, the purposes of sport, and achievement strategies used during practice and competition. Congruent with previous research, achievement goals had a conceptually consistent association with the purposes of sport in that task-oriented athletes endorsed prosocial attributes and ego-oriented athletes endorsed achieving status. Achievement goals were also meaningfully related to achievement strategies adopted in practice and competition, satisfaction, and focus in competition. The study underscored the importance of achievement goals in understanding achievement strategies and behaviors of athletes in competitive sport contexts.