Investigating the ‘rigid persistence paradox’ in professional rugby union football

Abstract

This study sought to extend the findings of Amiot, Vallerand, and Blanchard (2006), which recently provided evidence of the "rigid persistence paradox" in high-achieving sport performers. The paradox amounts to athletes adjusting more easily to the demands of highly competitive sport if they rate highly in obsessive passion, a type of passion characterized as an internal pressure that compels the individual to engage in the passionate activity. The activity controls the person, resulting in an increased risk of experiencing conflict and increased negative affect. Yet, despite this, Amiot et al.'s findings suggest that obsessively passionate athletes adjust to the most competitive environments. The present study examined the levels of harmony and obsession of passion in the high-impact collision sport of rugby union football. Participants were 78 rugby union footballers representing three playing levels of the professional game in Great Britain (International, Club, and Academy). Results indicated that performers playing at the International and Academy standards scored significantly higher in obsessive passion than Club players, as measured by the Passion Scale. However, obsessive passion was not correlated with negative emotional outcomes, as measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. These findings provide partial supportive evidence of the existence of the rigid persistence paradox. Results are discussed in terms of the acceptance of the dedication and hours of deliberate practice needed to: a) compete at International level and b) become a professional sportsperson. Implications for sports performers and coaches, and future research suggestions, are discussed.

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