Examining the relationship between sex and motivation in triathletes

Percept Mot Skills. 2014 Aug;119(1):42-9. doi: 10.2466/30.19.PMS.119c11z1. Epub 2014 Jun 3.

Abstract

The present paper assesses the relationship between sex and motivation in triathletes utilising a multidimensional measurement of motivation in sports. Data were collected from 138 triathlon participants (age range 17-72 years): 95 men (M = 36.7 yr., SD = 10.7) and 43 women (M = 34.6 yr., SD = 9.9). Measures included the Sport Motivation Scale, a multi-dimensional measure to assess different types of athletes' motivations for practising their sport. Results showed a significant sex difference in amotivation, with women displaying lower scores; but amotivation scores were very low. The results were not dependent on competition level or age. Men and women competing at the international level in triathlon have similar motivational profiles.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Athletes / psychology*
  • Bicycling / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation / physiology*
  • Running / psychology
  • Sex Factors
  • Sports / psychology*
  • Swimming / psychology
  • Young Adult