Self-Efficacy Belief and the Influential Coach: An Examination of Collegiate Athletes

Abstract

Self-efficacy beliefs related to the performance of a task have been identified as strong predictors of performance success. Research has hypothesized that the most influential contextual factor in athlete self-efficacy development is the athlete-coach relationship, yet there is little research on this relationship. The purpose of this study was to examine collegiate athletes’ perceptions of the prevalence of transformative and destructive coaches, the teaching methods athletes perceive to be transformative (strengthening self-efficacy belief), and the influence of coaching methods on sport self-efficacy belief. Just over two-thirds of the athletes expressed having transformative coaches while over one-third experienced coaches they defined as destructive, with many of these coaches utilizing overtly abusive tactics. This positive and negative exposure was significantly related to athlete self-efficacy belief. Transformative coaching methods were highlighted which add to the body of sport management research by highlighting how coaches influence performance beliefs of their athletes.

The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy in the Relationship between Approach Motivational System and Sports Success among Elite Speed Skating Athletes and Physical Education Students

“…In contrast to H3 and previous studies [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 42 ], the differences in BAS, self-efficacy, and predisposition to sports success were not found in athletes regarding levels of sports competition. BAS refers to an incentive system and can characterize athletes in general, regardless of their athletic level.…”

“…The positive relationship between sports success and self-efficacy was confirmed in the study. The results of this study are consistent with previous research performed among athletes [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23], as well as in the domains of physical activity [5][6][7][8][9][10][11] and academic achievements [3,4]. According to theory [1,2], people with a high sense of self-efficacy do not give up due to difficulties, treat such situations as an opportunity to master the task, and believe in learning from failures [68].…”

“…Research indicates that people who believe in their effectiveness can outperform those who misjudge their coping skills [ 1 ]. High levels of self-efficacy are associated positively with academic success [ 3 , 4 ], maintaining physical activity [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ], and better sports performance [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

“…Athletes at higher levels of sports competition will score higher in BAS, self-efficacy, and predisposition to sports success than those at lower levels [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 42 ].…”

Enhancing Skills, Mood, and Performance in Overweight Handball Players: Exploring Individual vs. Collective Verbal Encouragement Strategies

“…Such an ability to provide constructive verbal encouragement is not a one-sizefits-all approach; this requires a nuanced understanding of the personal aspirations and emotional states of each student or athlete. By adapting their verbal encouragement in their communication style, educators and coaches can greatly influence and strengthen the teacher-student or coach-athlete relationship [31]. This adaptive communication is vital not only to improve performance, but also to forge a bond based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.…”