Competitive orientations and motives of adult sport and exercise participants

Participants in four different adult sport and exercise programs (running club, exercise classes, cardiac rehabilitation program, senior games) completed measures of competitive orientation and participation motivation. Our samples were older and more diverse than samples of previous research, and t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of sport behavior 1996-12, Vol.19 (4), p.307
Main Authors: Gill, Diane L, Williams, Lavon, Dowd, Deborah A, Beaudoin, Christina M, Martin, Jeffrey J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adults
Competition (Psychology)
Exercise
Gender differences
Participation
Physical fitness
Psychological aspects
Psychology
Rehabilitation
Sports
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Summary:Participants in four different adult sport and exercise programs (running club, exercise classes, cardiac rehabilitation program, senior games) completed measures of competitive orientation and participation motivation. Our samples were older and more diverse than samples of previous research, and their competitive orientations and motives were similarly diverse. Multivariate analyses revealed gender and sample differences. Males were higher than females on competitiveness and win orientation, and runners were less win-oriented than other groups, but overall, all groups were similar to previous college-age samples in competitive orientation. Groups varied on specific motives, with females rating fitness, flexibility, affiliation, and appearance higher than males did. Generally, participants were diverse in orientations and motives, and positive about their participation. Research and conceptual models of sport orientation must extend beyond achievement motives to capture the diversity of adult participants. Program directors and instructors who offer activities and approaches to match this diversity will encourage wider participation and provide a more satisfying experience for more participants.
ISSN:0162-7341
2641-3477