The Role of Perfectionism and Controlling Conditions in Norwegian Elite Junior Performers’ Motivational Processes

Abstract

Conceptualized within the framework of self-determination theory, the aim of the current study was to investigate the relation between perfectionistic concerns and (a) controlled (non-self-determined) motivation and (b) performance anxiety through basic psychological need frustration (frustration of competence, autonomy, and realtedness), and if these relations would be moderated by controlling teaching/coaching conditions. We used a cross-sectional moderated mediation design and purposefully selected Norwegian elite junior performers ( N = 171; mean age = 17.3; SD age = 0.94) from talent development schools, who completed an online questionnaire to report their perceptions of the study variables. Associations were examined using structural equation modeling. The results showed that perfectionistic concerns were positively associated with controlling conditions, basic needs frustration, controlled motivation, and performance anxiety. Reported controlling teaching/coaching conditions moderated the positive indirect relationship between perfectionistic concerns and (a) controlled motivation and (b) performance anxiety through competence need frustration. Specifically, these indirect associations were evident for performers reporting moderate or high levels of controlling teaching/coaching conditions. In contrast, there were no indirect associations via competence need frustration for those performers who reported low levels of controlling conditions. In conclusion, the results indicate that perfectionistic concerns appear to be a vulnerability factor that exposes elite junior performers to higher risks of entering a debilitative motivational process. This seems especially likely when exposed to controlling teaching/coaching conditions. Coaches and teachers working with elite junior performers should avoid using controlling mechanisms and instead foster autonomous functioning.

Change in basic need frustration in relation to perfectionism, anxiety, and performance in elite junior performers

“…In turn, these feelings of imperfection might influence interpersonal relations by a decrease in social status and, subsequently, frustrate the need for relatedness . In addition, as EC are linked to controlled, rigid, and neurotic behavioral regulations, EC might additionally nurture autonomy and relatedness frustration . Lastly, the lack of adaptive coping strategies to encounter stress and adversity, which have been found associated with EC might also contribute to escalation in each basic need frustration over time .…”

“…13,29,42 Additionally, the vulnerability associated with a mixed perfectionism profile 58,66 is likely to be triggered within performance-oriented TDEs (ie, high expectations, competitive, and external feedback). 12,67,68 Furthermore, when experiencing basic need frustration, a heightened need to be resilient in order to encounter the maladaptive situation appears. As a paradox, research based on the SDT framework has highlighted that when less self-determined, the ability to negotiate stress and adversity to engage in resilience and restoration processes are hampered.…”

“…Both personal and contextual factors are found to influence the motivational functioning of elite junior performers . Yet, few studies based on self‐determination theory (SDT) have investigated personal factors, even though they are likely to influence the perception of and reaction to environmental requests and demands, thereby influencing the satisfaction or frustration of the three basic psychological needs . Hence, the purpose of the present longitudinal cohort study was to examine the role of perfectionism and basic need frustration in the development of maladaptive motivational processes over time.…”

“…62,63 In addition, as EC are linked to controlled, rigid, and neurotic behavioral regulations, EC might additionally nurture autonomy and relatedness frustration. 12,64 Lastly, the lack of adaptive coping strategies to encounter stress and adversity, which have been found associated with EC might also contribute to escalation in each basic need frustration over time. 27 An escalation, which in the present findings, seemingly is reflected in the maladaptive growth profiles of competence and autonomy frustration, which demonstrated to be increasing in a reinforcing maladaptive motivational cycle.…”

Relationship between perfectionism and attitudes toward doping in young athletes: the mediating role of autonomous and controlled motivation

“…Meanwhile, in the field of sports, the relationship between perfectionism and self-determined motivation was also investigated. Specifically, previous studies revealed that perfectionistic strivings had a positive relationship with autonomous motivation [18,21], whereas perfectionistic concerns had a positive relationship with controlled motivation [18,21,22]. Therefore, based on the relationships among perfectionism, selfdetermined motivation and attitudes toward doping, it is possible that autonomous and controlled motivation may play a mediating role between perfectionism and athletes' attitudes toward doping.…”