The Relationship between Perceived Motivational Climate and Goal Orientations among Japanese High School Ice Hockey Players

Abstract

    The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived motivational climate and goal orientations among Japanese high school ice hockey players. One hundred eighty-five male ice hockey players completed questionnaires in their athletic season (mid-October) . Among the research items, the dependent variable was perceived motivational climate. The independent variables included goal orientations (task orientation and ego orientation) . Multiple regression analysis was utilized for examining the predictor of contemplation. Exploratory factor analysis suggested that the perceived motivational climate contained two higher-order scales (Task-Involving and Ego-Involving) , each with two subscales (Task : Cooperative and Important Role, Effort/Improvement; Ego: Unequal Recognition, Punishment for Mistakes) . Results of confirmatory factor analysis to test the factor structure of the motivational climate supported the validity of the oblique four-factor model and oblique hierarchical model. Multiple regression analysis revealed that Task-Involving climate alone positively predicted task orientation, while ego-involving climate didn’ t emerge as significant. In addition, the analysis indicated that the Task-Involving climate and the Ego-Involving climate were significant predictors of ego orientation. These results indicate that a perceived motivational climate may influence goal orientations. Therefore, it would be important for youth sport coaches to understand their athletes’ perceptions of the motivational climate