Motivational Climate, Approach-Avoidance Achievement Goals and Well-Being in Young Soccer Players

Tests based on achievement goal theory (dichotomous model, Nicholls, 1989; and 2 a 2 model, Elliot and McGregor, 2001) were conducted on a model to analyse the hypothesised relationships between perceived motivational climate, perceived competence, approach and avoidance (mastery and performance) goals, and positive well-being indices (i. e., life satisfaction and self-esteem). A total of 370 young male soccer players between the ages of 12 and 16 took part in the study (M=14.77). The results showed that perceptions of a task-involvement climate predicted the adoption of mastery approach and mastery avoidance goals, whereas a perceived ego-involving climate was related to performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals. Perceived competence positively correlated to the two approach goals (mastery and performance). Lastly, the mastery-approach orientation positively correlated to life satisfaction and self-esteem; the performance-approach orientation was positively associated with life satisfaction; and the performance-avoidance orientation negatively correlated to self-esteem. These results highlight the importance of the coach's role in promoting psychological well-being in athletes.