Performance Satisfaction, Perceived Competence and Game Outcome: The Competitive Experience of Boys Club Youth

Investigated 42 9–12 yr old boys' subjective interpretations of the outcome of one-on-one basketball games. Prior to and after the games, Ss were asked about the perceived competence of both self and their opponent. Following the game, Ss also rated their satisfaction with their performance. Results indicate that regardless of outcome, Ss experienced high levels of performance satisfaction. Perceived competence was the best predictor of performance satisfaction, suggesting that children's subjective interpretations in a sport setting may be more important than outcome in determining subjective success and failure. Results are discussed in terms of a study by K. S. Spink and G. C. Roberts on causal attributions for ambiguous outcomes. Explanations for the present findings include factors influencing satisfaction, task characteristics, and socializing agents.