An In-depth Study of Former Elite Figure Skaters: II. Sources of Enjoyment

Abstract

This study investigated the sources of sport enjoyment for elite figure skaters. These elite athletes were 26 former national championship competitors who currently coach figure skating. The skaters were interviewed and answered an open-ended question asking them for their sources of enjoyment during the most competitive phase of their skating careers. Each source of enjoyment mentioned was probed to obtain an in-depth understanding of the source. The data, 418 quotes, were drawn from verbatim transcriptions of the interviews and were inductively content analyzed. Content analysis organizes the quotes into increasingly more complex themes and categories representing sources of enjoyment. Four major sources of enjoyment emerged from the data—social and life opportunities, perceived competence, social recognition of competence, and the act of skating. The findings (a) demonstrated that elite figure skaters derive enjoyment from numerous and diverse sources reflecting the achievement, social, and movement aspects of sport, (b) provided greater depth of understanding for new and previously indicated sources of enjoyment, and (c) uncovered new psychological constructs.

Hierarchical confirmatory factor analysis of the Flow State Scale in exercise

“…Ostensibly, the activity is enjoyable in its own right and is not engaged in for the derivation of external rewards and benefits. The aforementioned In general, a number of studies examining flow across a variety of contexts have demonstrated that flow is an optimal and thoroughly enjoyable experience (Csikszentmihalyi and Lefevre, 1989;Jackson, 1992Jackson, , 1996Mannell, Zuzanek, and Larson, 1988;Scanlan, Stein, and Ravizza, 1989). It is important that such investigations be extended to the context of exercise given the potential ramifications for the enhancement of physical and mental health.…”

Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies and Precompetitive Anxiety Among Recreational Athletes

“…The present study attempted to alleviate a portion of these inherent problems by allowing a structured dialog to occur as athletes responded to the mental strategy items as well as framing the items in terms of both general and situation-specific use. Several authors contend that with proper research methodology and controls, honest responses and comparatively rich descriptive information may be generated through the use of this method (Martens, 1987;Scanlan, Stein, & Ravizza, 1989).…”

Psychological antecedents of youth versus adult participation: An examination based on the Sport Commitment Model

“…As theorized by Scanlan et al, many SCM studies with youth found enjoyment was the strongest predictor of commitment (e.g., Stein & Scanlan, 1992;Scanlan, Ravizza, & Stein, 1989). When investigating the SCM with youth tennis players, Weiss et al (2001) modified the original model to further understand the impact of enjoyment.…”