Motivational Profiles and Their Relation to Coaching Behaviours and Dropout in Swedish Female Ice Hockey : A Latent Profile Analysis

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to use a person-centered approach to identify latent motivational profiles among female ice hockey players in Sweden, and examine how identified profiles relate to coaching behaviours and dropout. Methods: Swedish female ice hockey players (N = 140; Mage = 21.66, SD= 7.50 years of age) answered an online survey that contained questionnaires that measured behavioural regulations in sport, perceived coaching behaviours, and intentions to dropout of ice hockey. The latent motivational profiles were identified using latent profile analysis.     Results: Two latent motivational profiles were identified, an ambiguously motivated profile and a self-determined profile, which mostly differed in terms of amotivation and controlled motivation. Need-thwarting coaching behaviours were associated with an increased likelihood of belonging to the ambiguously motivated profile, which also reported significantly higher intentions of dropping out of ice hockey.  Conclusion: Findings suggest that coaches and organizations who want to decrease dropout in Swedish female ice hockey should aim to promote their players' self-determined motivation and refrain from using need-thwarting behaviours.