The relations of self-supportive behaviors with psychological need satisfaction and performance in athletes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 شهرک ارم منطقه 6 خیابان بهشت شمالی کوچه 14 معصوم پلاک 1 پلاک 1

2 Tabriz

3 Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education, Tabriz University, Iran

4 Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Tabriz

10.22034/mmbj.2025.62356.1099

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between self-support of psychological needs with anxiety and performance in athletes. In this study, one hundred six student athletes (Mage = 25.89, SD = 4.22) were conveniently selected and completed the questionnaires in online platform. Self-support and self-thwarting behaviors questionnaires were analyzed using cluster analysis to compare the anxiety and performance of athletes. The results of the two-steps cluster analysis model revealed three groups. The results of analysis of variances showed difference between three groups: (cluster 1) low mean in self-support and high mean in self-thwarting, (2) low mean in self-thwart and high mean in self-support, and (3) average mean in self-thwarting and average mean in self-support on performance among athletes. Specifically, individuals in cluster 2 and 3 showed greater performance compared to cluster 1. Findings highlighted the importance of psychological needs and specifically self-support of needs for athletic performance, which have practical implications for sports psychologists and coaches.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 09 July 2025
  • Receive Date: 08 July 2024
  • Revise Date: 09 February 2025
  • Accept Date: 09 July 2025