Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify whether very young children in the physical domain exhibit patterns of helplessness in response to failure. A total of 55 British children (27 girls, 28 boys) ages 5 to 7 years (M = 5.38, SD = .65) first succeeded at an age-appropriate throwing task. Perceptions of ability were assessed and then the children performed two throwing tasks at which they experienced failure. A success trial then followed; the children’s general level of affect was measured. After engaging in the two unachievable tasks, the children’s task-specific expectations for future success and their perceived physical/sport ability were evaluated. Finally, the children’s tendency to seek or avoid challenge was assessed and their perceived physical/sports ability and affect were reassessed. The failure manipulation was found to be effective. However, in terms of expectations, affect, task choice, or behavior, the learned-helplessness pattern was not evident in this sample.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 52 |
Number of pages | 1 |
Journal | Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology |
Volume | 24 |
Publication status | Published - 2002 |