A cross-cultural investigation of reasons for participation in gymnastics

In order to investigate cross-cultural motives for participation in youth s pout 701 gymnasts (M age = 10.6) from Australia Canada, India, China, and I srael were administered the Participation Motivation Questionnaire (PMQ: Gi ll, Gross, & Huddleston, 1983). Principal components analysis of the PMQ on the total sample identified seven factors: Team/Affiliation Popularity/Ene rgy release, Challenge/Fun, Miscellaneous Skills, Achievement, and Recognit ion/Excitement. Between groups multivariate analyses indicated significant differences on all of the factors. Many differences in participation motive s appeared consistent with move general cultural influences. As well, a lar ge number of commonalties existed among the cultural groups in reasons for participating in gymnastics. These findings have implications for the devel opment of appropriate programs to encourage increased participation in gymn astics.