A Self-Determination Perspective on Sport Club Participation and Basic Psychological Needs in Late Childhood

According to self-determination theory (SDT; Ryan & Deci, 2000), there is good predictability of intrinsic motivation in sports-related contexts for adolescents and adults. However, studies regarding this issue in childhood are rare. First, the present study will examine the association between basic psychological needs and self-determination proposed by Deci and Ryan (2000) in late childhood (N = 252, M-age = 10.51). Second, for a better understanding of sports participation, the intrinsic motivation between different sporting groups is compared. A questionnaire, adapted for children, assessed basic psychological needs and regulations of motivation.A structural equation model shows the proposed relationship. Members of sport clubs showed more fulfilled basic psychological needs and had higher intrinsic motivation. Furthermore, overall participation in different kinds of sports had weak effects on motivational quantities.These results support the use of questionnaires regarding SDT in late childhood. However, the search for reasons and predictors of sport participation in sport clubs remains relevant.