IMPLICIT THEORIES OF ACHIEVEMENT AND THE SPORT EXPERIENCE - EFFECT OFGOAL ORIENTATIONS ON ACHIEVEMENT STRATEGIES AND PERSPECTIVES

This study investigated the effect of holding either a task- or an ego -oriented goal perspective on the perception of the purpose of sport, achievement strategies in practice and competition, satisfaction, and focus in competition. A total of 338 young adults were assessed for ta sk- and ego-oriented achievement goals, the purposes of sport, and ach ievement strategies used during practice and competition. Congruent wi th previous research, achievement goals had a conceptually consistent association with the purposes of sport in that task-oriented athletes endorsed prosocial attributes and ego-oriented athletes endorsed achie ving status. Achievement goals were also meaningfully related to achie vement strategies adopted in practice and competition, satisfaction, a nd focus in competition. The study underscored the importance of achie vement goals in understanding achievement strategies and behaviors of athletes in competitive sport contexts.