Examining the Impact of Coaches’ Feedback Patterns on the Psychosocial Well-Being of Youth Sport Athletes

in Kinesiology Review

Click name to view affiliation

Thelma S. Horn
Search for other papers by Thelma S. Horn in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/kr.2019-0017
Keywords:
coaching practices; outcomes of youth sport participation; reinforcement
In Print:
Volume 8: Issue 3
Page Range:
244–251
Restricted access

Developmentally based theories in the social-psychology field emphasize the important role that significant adults play in relation to children’s psychosocial health and well-being. In particular, these theories suggest that the responses adults provide to children in reaction to their performance attempts may affect the children’s own perceptions and evaluations of their competencies, as well as their overall self-worth. In the youth sport setting, coaches may be the main providers of performance-related feedback. The purpose of this paper was to use current research and theory to identify and discuss 4 dimensions of coaches’ feedback that are relevant to the growth and development of young athletes: content, delivery, degree of growth orientation, and extent of stereotyping. The paper ends with recommendations for future research on the topic, with emphasis on examining developmental transitions and why coaches give feedback in particular ways.

The author is with the Dept. of Kinesiology and Health, Miami University, Oxford, OH.

Address author correspondence to hornts@miamioh.edu.
  • Collapse
  • Expand

Kinesiology Review

Cover Kinesiology Review

  • Amemiya, J., & Wang, M.T. (2018). Why effort praise can backfire in adolescence. Child Development Perspectives, 12 ,199–203. doi:10.1111/cdep.12284

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Barak, K.S., Krane, V., Ross, S.R., Mann, M.E., & Kaunert, C.A. (2018). Visual negotiation: How female athletes present intersectional identities in photographic self-representations. Quest, 70 ,471–491. doi:10.1080/00336297.2018.1461661

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bartholomew, K.J., Ntoumanis, N., & Thogersen-Ntoumanis, C. (2010). The controlling interpersonal style in a coaching context: Development and initial validation of a psychometric scale. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 32 ,193–216. PubMed ID: 20479478 doi:10.1123/jsep.32.2.193

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Beauchamp, M.R., Jackson, B., & Loughead, T.M. (2019). Leadership in physical activity contexts. In T. S. Horn & A. L. Smith (Eds.), Advances in sport and exercise psychology (4th ed., pp. 151–170). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Block, M.E., Griebenauw, L.M., & Brodeur, S. (2004). Psychosocial factors and disability: Effects of physical activity and sport. In M.R. Weiss (Ed.), Developmental sport and exercise psychology: A lifespan perspective (pp. 425–452). Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Brummelman, E., Crocker, J., & Bushman, B.J. (2016). The praise paradox: When and why praise backfires in children with low self-esteem. Child Development Perspectives, 10 ,111–115. doi:10.1111/cdep.12171

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Carpentier, J., & Mageau, GA. (2013). When change-oriented feedback enhances motivation, well-being, and performance: A look at autonomy-supportive feedback in sport. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 14 ,423–435. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2013.01.003

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Carpentier, J., & Mageau, G.A. (2014). The role of coaches’ passion and athletes’ motivation in the prediction of change-oriented feedback quality and quantity. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 15 ,326–335. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2014.02.005

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Carpentier, J., & Mageau, G.A. (2016). Predicting sport experience during training: The role of change-oriented feedback in athletes’ motivation, self-confidence, and needs satisfaction fluctuations. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 38 ,45–58. PubMed ID: 27018557 doi:10.1123/jsep.2015-0210

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Chalabaev, A., Sarrazin, P., Fontayne, P., Boiche, J., & Clement-Guillotin, C. (2013). The influence of sex stereotypes and gender roles on participation and performance in sport and exercise: Review and future directions. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 14 ,136–144. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2012.10.005

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Chan, J.T., & Mallett, C.J. (2011). The value of emotional intelligence for high performance coaching. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 6 ,315–328. doi:10.1260/1747-9541.6.3.315

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Chin, C.B. (2015). “Aren’t you a little short to play ball?” Japanese American youth and racial microaggressions in basketball leagues. Amerasia Journal, 41(2), 47–65. doi:10.17953/aj.41.2.47

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Coker, C.A. (2015). Motor skill learning for effective coaching and performance. In J.M. Williams & V. Krane (Eds.), Applied sport psychology: Personal growth to peak performance (7th ed., pp. 19–39). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Coppola, A.M., Ward, R.M., & Freysinger, V.J. (2014). Coaches’ communication of sport body image: Experiences of female athletes. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 26 ,1–16. doi:10.1080/10413200.2013.766650

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Deci, E.L., & Ryan, R.M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. New York, NY: Plenum Press.

  • De Muynck, G., Vansteenkiste, M., Delrue, J., Aeltermann, N., Heerens, L., & Soenens, B. (2017). The effects of feedback valence and style on need satisfaction, self-talk, and perseverance among tennis players: An exploratory study. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 39 ,67–80. PubMed ID: 28253062 doi:10.1123/jsep.2015-0326

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Dweck, C.S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York, NY: Random House.

  • Dweck, C.S. (2017). The journey to children’s mindsets—and beyond. Child Development Perspectives, 11 ,139–144. doi:10.1111/cdep.12225

  • Eccles, J.S. (2007). Subjective task value and the Eccles’ et al. model of achievement-related choices. In A.J. Eliot & C.S. Dweck (Eds.), Handbook of competence and motivation (pp. 105–121). New York, NY: Guilford.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Eccles, J.S., & Roeser, R.W. (2011). Schools as developmental contexts during adolescence. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 21 ,225–241. doi:10.1111/j.1532-7795.2010.00725.x

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Erickson, K., & Côté, J. (2015). The intervention tone of coaches’ behaviour: Development of the Assessment of Coaching Tone (ACT) observational coding system. International Journal of Sport Sciences and Coaching, 10 ,699–716. doi:10.1260/1747-9541.10.4.699

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Erickson, K., & Côté, J. (2016). A season-long examination of the intervention tone of coach–athlete interactions and athlete development in youth sport. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 22 ,264–272. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2015.08.006

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Feltz, D.L., Chase, M.A., Moritz, S.E., & Sullivan, P.J. (1999). A conceptual model of coaching efficacy: Preliminary investigation and instrument development. Journal of Educational Psychology, 91 ,765–776. doi:10.1037/0022-0663.91.4.765

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fink, J.S. (2015). Female athletes, women’s sport, and the sport media commercial complex: Have we really “come a long way, baby”? Sport Management Review, 18 ,331–342. doi:10.1016/j.smr.2014.05.001

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gansen, H.M. (2019). Push-ups versus clean-up: Preschool teachers’ gendered disciplinary practices. Sex Roles, 80 ,393–408. doi:10.1007/s11199-018-0944-2

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gardner, L.A., Vella, S.A., & Magee, C.A. (2018). The role of implicit beliefs and achievement goals as protective factors in youth sport. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 30 ,83–95. doi:10.1080/10413200.2017.1334160

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gentile, A., Boca, S., & Giammusso, I. (2018). ‘You play like a woman!’ Effects of gender stereotype threat on women’s performance in physical and sport activities: A meta-analysis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 39 ,95–103. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.07.013

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gill, D.L., & Kamphoff, C.S. (2015). Gender, diversity, and cultural acceptance. In J.M. Williams & V. Krane (Eds.), Applied sport psychology: Personal growth to peak performance (7th ed., pp. 383–404). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Haimovitz, K., & Dweck, C.S. (2017). The origins of children’s growth and fixed mindsets: New research and a proposal. Child Development, 88 ,1849–1859. PubMed ID: 28905371 doi:10.1111/cdev.12955

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Harter, S. (1978). Effectance motivation reconsidered: Toward a developmental model. Human Development, 21 ,34–64. doi:10.1159/000271574

  • Harter, S. (2012). The construction of the self: Developmental and sociocultural foundations (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford.

  • Hasbrook, C.A., & Harris, O. (1999). Wrestling with gender: Physicality and masculinities among inner-city first and second graders. Men and Masculinities, 1 ,302–318. doi:10.1177/1097184X99001003004

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Horn, T.S. (1984). Expectancy effects in the interscholastic athletic setting: Methodological considerations. Journal of Sport Psychology, 6 ,60–76. doi:10.1123/jsp.6.1.60

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Horn, T.S. (1985). Coaches’ feedback and changes in children’s perceptions of their physical competence. Journal of Educational Psychology, 77(2), 174–186. doi:10.1037/0022-0663.77.2.174

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Horn, T.S. (2008). Coaching effectiveness in the sport domain. In T.S. Horn (Ed.), Advances in sport psychology (3rd ed., pp. 239–267). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Horn, T.S., Lox, C.L., & Labrador, F. (2015). The self-fulfilling prophecy theory: When coaches’ expectations become reality. In J.M. Williams & V. Krane (Eds.), Applied sport psychology: Personal growth to peak performance (7th ed., pp. 78–100). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Horn, T.S., & Newton, J.H. (2019). Developmentally based perspectives on motivated behavior in sport and physical activity contexts. In T.S. Horn & A.L. Smith (Eds.), Advances in sport and exercise psychology (4th ed., pp. 313–332). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Howard, S., & Borgella, A. (2018). “Sinking” or sinking? Identity salience and shifts in Black women’s athletic performance. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 39 ,179–183. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.08.016

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hwang, S., Feltz, D.L., & Lee, J.-D. (2013). Emotional intelligence in coaching: Mediation effect of coaching efficacy on the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership style. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 11 ,292–306. doi:10.1080/1612197X.2013.763489

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Iachini, A.L. (2013). Development and empirical examination of a model of factors influencing coaches’ provision of autonomy-support. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 8 ,661–675. doi:10.1260/1747-9541.8.4.661

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kauer, K., & Krane, V. (2006). “Scary dykes” and “feminine queens”: Stereotypes and female collegiate athletes. Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, 15 ,42–55. doi:10.1123/wspaj.15.1.42

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Keegan, R.J., Spray, C.M., Harwood, C.G., & Lavallee, D.E. (2014). A qualitative synthesis of research into social motivational influences across the athletic career span. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 6 ,537–567. doi:10.1080/2159676X.2013.857710

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kobach, M.J., & Potter, R.F. (2013). The role of mediated sports programming on implicit racial stereotypes. Sport in Society, 16 ,1414–1428. doi:10.1080/17430437.2013.821254

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Krane, V., & Barber, H. (2003). Lesbian experiences in sport: A social identity experience. Quest, 55 ,328–346. doi:10.1080/00336297.2003.10491808

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lafreniere, M.A.K., Jowett, S., Vallerand, R.J., & Carboneau, N. (2011). Passion for coaching and the quality of the coach–athlete relationship: The mediating role of coaching behaviors. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 12 ,144–152. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2010.08.002

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Landers, M.A., & Fine, G.A. (1996). Learning life’s lessons in tee ball: The reinforcement of gender and status in kindergarten sport. Sociology of Sport Journal, 13 ,87–93. doi:10.1123/ssj.13.1.87

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Levy, S.R., Stroessner, S.J., & Dweck, C.S. (1998). Stereotype formation and endorsement: The role of implicit theories. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74 ,1421–1436. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.74.6.1421

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mageau, G.A., & Vallerand, R.J. (2003). The coach–athlete relationship: A motivational model. Journal of Sports Sciences, 21 ,883–904. PubMed ID: 14626368 doi:10.1080/0264041031000140374

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Matosic, D., Ntoumanis, N., Boardley, I.D., Sedikides, C., Stewart, B.D., & Chatzisarantis, N. (2017). Narcissism and coach interpersonal style: A self-determination theory perspective. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 27 ,254–261. PubMed ID: 26689999 doi:10.1111/sms.12635

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Meece, J.L., Anderman, E.M., & Anderman, L.H. (2006). Classroom goal structure, student motivation, and academic achievement. Annual Review of Psychology, 57 ,487–503. PubMed ID: 16318604 doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.56.091103.070258

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Messner, M.A. (2000). Barbie girls versus sea monsters: Children constructing gender. Gender in Society, 14 ,765–784. doi:10.1177/089124300014006004

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mouratidis, A., Lens, W., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2010). How you provide corrective feedback makes a difference: The motivating role of communicating in an autonomy-supportive way. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 32 ,619–637. PubMed ID: 20980707 doi:10.1123/jsep.32.5.619

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mullins, N.M. (2015). Insidious influence of gender socialization on female physical activity: Rethink pink. Physical Educator, 72 ,20–43.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Norman, L., & French, J. (2013). Understanding how high-performance women athletes experience the coach–athlete relationship. International Journal of Coaching Science, 7 ,3–24.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Occhino, J.L., Mallett, C.J., Rynne, S.B., & Carlisle, K.N. (2014). Autonomy-supportive pedagogical approach to sports coaching: Research, challenges, and opportunities. International Journal of Sport Science and Coaching, 9 ,401–415. doi:10.1260/1747-9541.9.2.401

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Okonofua, J.A., & Eberhardt, J.L. (2015). Two strikes: Race and the disciplining of young students. Psychological Science, 26 ,617–624. PubMed ID: 25854276 doi:10.1177/0956797615570365

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Paechter, C. (2013). Girls and their bodies: Approaching a more emancipatory physical education. Pedagogy, Culture, and Society, 21 ,261–277. doi:10.1080/14681366.2012.712055

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Pawlowski, C.S., Ergler, C., & Tjørnhøj-Thomsen, T., Schipperijn, J., & Troelsen, J. (2015). ‘Like a soccer camp for boys’: A qualitative exploration of gendered activity patterns in children’s self-organized play during school recess. European Physical Education Review, 21 ,275–291. doi:10.1177/1356336X14561533

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Perchot, R., Mangin, F., Lacassagne, M.F., & Castel, P. (2017). “White men can’t jump in a black basketball game”: An exploratory investigation of implicit strategies of outgroup discussion. Sport in Society, 20 ,1644–1666. doi:10.1080/17430437.2017.1284814

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Plaza, M., Boiche, J., Brunel, L., & Ruchaud, F. (2017). Sport = male . . . but not all sports: Investigating the gender stereotypes of sport activities at the explicit and implicit levels. Sex Roles, 76 ,202–217. doi:10.1007/s11199-016-0650-x

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ruggiero, T.E., & Lattin, K.S. (2008). Intercollegiate female coaches’ use of verbally aggressive communication toward African-American female athletes. Howard Journal of Communications, 19 ,105–124. doi:10.1080/10646170801990946

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Scott, T.M., Gage, N., Hirn, R., & Han, H. (2019). Teacher and student race as a predictor for negative feedback during instruction. School Psychology, 34 ,22–31. doi:10.1037/spq0000251

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Smith, R.E. (2015). A positive approach to coaching effectiveness and performance enhancement. In J.M. Williams & V. Krane (Eds.), Applied sport psychology: Personal growth to peak performance (7th ed., pp. 40–56). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Smith, R.E., Smoll, F.L., & Hunt, E.B. (1977). A system for the behavioral assessment of athletic coaches. Research Quarterly, 48 ,401–407. PubMed ID: 267981

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Smoll, F.L., & Smith, R.E. (1989). Leadership behaviors in sport: A theoretical model and research paradigm. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 19 ,1522–1551. doi:10.1111/j.1559-1816.1989.tb01462.x

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Smoll, F.L., & Smith, R.E. (2015). Conducting evidence based coach-training programs: A social-cognitive approach. In J.M. Williams & V. Krane (Eds.), Applied sport psychology: Personal growth to peak performance (7th ed., pp. 359–382). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Smoll, F.L., Smith, R.E., Curtis, B., & Hunt, E. (1978). Toward a mediational model of coach–player relationships. Research Quarterly, 49 ,528–541. PubMed ID: 741090

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Spray, C.M., Warburton, V.E., & Stebbings, J. (2013). Change in physical self-perceptions across the transition to secondary school: Relationships with perceived teacher-emphasized achievement goals in physical education. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 14 ,662–669. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2013.05.001

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Steele, C.M. (1997). A threat in the air: How stereotypes shape intellectual identity and intelligence. American Psychologist, 52 ,613–629. PubMed ID: 9174398 doi:10.1037/0003-066X.52.6.613

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Stone, J., Harrison, C.K., & Mottley, J. (2012). “Don’t call me a student-athlete”: The effect of identity priming on stereotype threat for academically engaged African-American college athletes. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 34 ,99–106. doi:10.1080/01973533.2012.655624

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sullivan, P.J., & Kent, A. (2003). Coaching efficacy as a predictor of leadership style in intercollegiate athletics. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 15 ,1–11. doi:10.1080/10413200305404

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vallerand, R.J. (2000). Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory: A view from the hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Psychological Inquiry, 11 ,312–318.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vella, S.A., Cliff, D.P., Okely, A.D., Weintraub, D.L., & Robinson, T.N. (2014). Instructional strategies to promote incremental beliefs in youth sport. Quest, 66 ,357–370. doi:10.1080/00336297.2014.950757

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Weiss, M.R., & Kipp, L.E. (2018). Social relationships rock! How parents, coaches, and peers can optimize girls’ psychological development through sport and physical activity. In N.M. LaVoi (Ed.), Developing physically active girls: An evidence-based multidisciplinary approach (pp. 37–54). Minneapolis: University of Minnesota.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Withycombe, J.L. (2011). Intersecting selves: African-American female athletes’ experiences of sport. Sociology of Sport Journal, 28 ,478–493. doi:10.1123/ssj.28.4.478

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Yeager, D.S., Romero, C., Paunesku, D., Hulleman, C.S., Schneider, B., Hinojosa, C., . . . Dweck, C.S. (2016). Using design thinking to improve psychological interventions: The case of the growth mindset during the transition to high school. Journal of Educational Psychology, 108 ,374–391. PubMed ID: 27524832 doi:10.1037/edu0000098

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 8470 2460 229
Full Text Views 425 157 12
PDF Downloads 415 119 9