What factors influence 18-25yr old females to carry on with competitive sport?

View/ open
Author
Leadbeater, Rebekah
Date
2015Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The purpose of this study was to recognise the fundamental motives of why females
aged 18-25yrs continue to participate in competitive sport. This permitted the
documentation to analyse the unintended components in conjunction with
contemporary research literature (motivation levels, and perceived barriers) to
discover whether continuation behaviour remains accurate and examine against the
perceived barriers researched and whether their comparable. Research was
collected using an interprestist approach, allowing the investigation to access reality
through social constructions. A qualitative method was then used where six female
subjects studying either at university or in full time employment were interviewed, as
they all continued to play their sport competitively through the transition from school.
To gain maximum data a semi-structure layout was used, where the interviews were
based around the influences and motives for their continuation behaviour. Looking
into factors such as personal, social and environmental (5 general questions
followed by 15 specific questions). From the interview process the content analysis
established several aspects which influenced the individuals to carry on pursuing
sport; a total of 10 motives towards participation were categorised. The addressed
categories produced were then coded into a higher order of themes; motivation/
personal factors, family and friends influence and facilities and expenses. Through
this process of coding a hierarchy table was produced which outlined the key words,
and repetition of the individuals, identifying the main motives for continuation
behaviour. Findings advocate that females aged 18-25yrs have an assembly of
comparable motives for continuation, mainly relating to enjoyment and positive
experiences. The most influential reasons highlighted throughout all the interviews,
were their personal motivations of achievements and progress, with the support and
encouragement from friends and especially family. It was established that these
aspects interconnect, where one factor may stimulus another towards dropout
behaviour. When applying interventions to boost active contribution in sport and
reduce dropout behaviour, practitioners should aim to achieve self-assured
reinforcements/ encouragements to create positive motives and a strong support
network around the individual throughout their sporting career.
Collections
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, subject and abstract.
-
An investigation into the relationship between the motivational climate, coach behaviours and predicting burnout; Does coach-athlete relationship and athlete identity mediate the relationship
Rogers, Huw (Cardiff Metropolitan University, 2016-03-10)This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the motivational climate, coach behaviours and predicting burnout, and to identify if the coach-athlete relationship and athlete identity mediated the relationship. ... -
Factors that motivate females over the age of 18 to participate in football in Wales
McGoona, Hannah (Cardiff Metropolitan University, 2014)The aim of this study was to explore the reasons which motivate females over the age of 18 to participate in football in Wales. According to The Sports Council for Wales Active People Survey (2010) women aged 16-24 in ... -
Underlying reasons why female university students withdraw from sport
Richards, Kimberley (University of Wales, 2011)The purpose of this study was to identify the underlying reasons of withdrawal in female University students. This enabled the identification to analyse the critical causal elements in conjunction with concurrent research ...