The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion on the Relationship Between Goal Orientation and Sport-Confidence

in The Sport Psychologist

Click name to view affiliation

Arash AssarDepartment of Sport Leadership & Management, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA

Search for other papers by Arash Assar in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
*
,
Robert WeinbergDepartment of Sport Leadership & Management, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA

Search for other papers by Robert Weinberg in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
,
Rose Marie WardDepartment of Kinesiology & Health, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA

Search for other papers by Rose Marie Ward in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
, and
Robin S. VealeyDepartment of Sport Leadership & Management, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA

Search for other papers by Robin S. Vealey in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2021-0187
Keywords:
self-worth; collegiate athletes; sport psychology; mediation; multiple group analysis
First Published Online:
13 Oct 2022
In Print:
Volume 36: Issue 4
Page Range:
242–250
Restricted access

The purpose of the present investigation was to explore the mediating role of self-compassion on the relation between goal orientation and sport-confidence, as well as exploring whether these factors differed between male and female student-athletes. To that end, a total of 418 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I student-athletes (M = 20.19, SD = 1.30) completed the Self-Compassion Scale (athlete version), the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire, and the Trait Sport-Confidence Inventory. Structural equation models suggest that task orientation has both a direct effect on sport-confidence and an indirect one through self-compassion. Furthermore, while there was no direct effect between ego orientation and sport-confidence, the results indicated an indirect effect through self-compassion. Moreover, a multigroup analysis indicated that the paths in the mediation model were moderated by gender. Based on these findings, it is recommended that coaches, sport psychologists, and other practitioners consider self-compassion training to enhance confidence among both ego-oriented and female athletes.

Supplementary Materials

    • Supplementary Figure S1 (PDF 251 KB)
    • Supplementary Figure S2 (PDF 321 KB)
  • Collapse
  • Expand

The Sport Psychologist

Cover The Sport Psychologist

  • Adam, M.E., Eke, A.O., & Ferguson, L.J. (2021). “Know that you’re not just settling”: Exploring women athletes’ self-compassion, sport performance perceptions, and well-being around important competitive events. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 43(3), 268–278. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.2020-0196

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bandura, A. (1986). The explanatory and predictive scope of self-efficacy theory. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 4(3), 359–373. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.1986.4.3.359

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman.

  • Blascovich, J., Tomaka, J., Robinson, J.P., Shaver, P.R., & Wrightsman, L.S. (1991). Measures of self-esteem. Measures of Personality and Social Psychological Attitudes, 1, 115–160.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ceccarelli, L.A., Giuliano, R.J., Glazebrook, C.M., & Strachan, S.M. (2019). Self-compassion and psycho-physiological recovery from recalled sport failure. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1564. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01564

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Coudevylle, G.R., Gernigon, C., & Ginis, K.A.M. (2011). Self-esteem, self-confidence, anxiety and claimed self-handicapping: A mediational analysis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 12(6), 670–675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2011.05.008

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Crocker, J., & Park, L.E. (2004). The costly pursuit of self-esteem. Psychological Bulletin, 130(3), 392. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.130.3.392

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Duda, J.L. (1989). Relationship between task and ego orientation and the perceived purpose of sport among high school athletes. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 11(3), 318–335. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.11.3.318

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Eke, A., Adam, M., Kowalski, K., & Ferguson, L. (2020). Narratives of adolescent women athletes’ body self-compassion, performance and emotional well-being. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 12(2), 175–191. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628805

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fabra, P., Castillo, I., González-García, L., Duda, J.L., & Balaguer, I. (2021). Changes in drop out intentions: Implications of the motivational climate, goal orientations and aspects of self-worth across a youth sport season. Sustainability, 13(24), 13850. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413850

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Feltz, D.L., Short, S.E., & Sullivan, P.J. (2008). Self-efficacy in sport. Human Kinetics.

  • Ferguson, L.J., Kowalski, K.C., Mack, D.E., & Sabiston, C.M. (2014). Self-compassion and eudaimonic well-being during emotionally difficult times in sport. Journal of Happiness Studies, 16(5), 1263–1280. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1007/s10902-014-9558-8

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hall, H.K., & Kerr, A.W. (1997). Motivational antecedents of precompetitive anxiety in youth sport. The Sport Psychologist, 11(1), 24–42. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.11.1.24

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hanton, S., & Jones, G. (1999). The effects of a multimodal intervention program on performers: II. Training the butterflies to fly in formation. The Sport Psychologist, 13(1), 22–41. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.13.1.22

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Harwood, C. (2002). Assessing achievement goals in sport: Caveats for consultants and a case for contextualization. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 14(2), 106–119. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200252907770

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hill, D.M., & Shaw, G. (2013). A qualitative examination of choking under pressure in team sport. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 14(1), 103–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2012.07.008

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hu, L.T., & Bentler, P.M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 6(1), 1–55. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705519909540118

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Huysmans, Z., & Clement, D. (2017). A preliminary exploration of the application of self-compassion within the context of sport injury. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 39(1), 56–66. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.2016-0144

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kenny, D. (2008). Reflections on mediation. Organizational Research Methods, 11(2), 353–358. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428107308978

  • Kenny, D., & McCoach, D.B. (2003). Effect of the number of variables on measures of fit in structural equation modeling. Structural Equation Modeling, 10(3), 333–351. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15328007SEM1003_1

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Killham, M.E., Mosewich, A.D., Mack, D.E., Gunnell, K.E., & Ferguson, L.J. (2018). Women athletes’ self-compassion, self-criticism, and perceived sport performance. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 7(3), 297. https://doi.org/10.1037/spy0000127

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Leary, M.R., Tate, E.B., Adams, C.E., Batts Allen, A., & Hancock, J. (2007). Self-compassion and reactions to unpleasant self-relevant events: The implications of treating oneself kindly. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(5), 887. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.92.5.887

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Machida, M., Marie Ward, R., & Vealey, R.S. (2012). Predictors of sources of self-confidence in collegiate athletes. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 10(3), 172–185. https://doi.org/10.1080/1612197X.2012.672013

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Magnus, C.M., Kowalski, K.C., & McHugh, T.L.F. (2010). The role of self-compassion in women’s self-determined motives to exercise and exercise-related outcomes. Self and Identity, 9(4), 363–382. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860903135073

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Magyar, T.M., & Feltz, D.L. (2003). The influence of dispositional and situational tendencies on adolescent girls’ sport confidence sources. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 4(2), 175–190. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1469-0292(01)00037-1

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mills, B.D. (1996). Trait sport confidence, goal orientation and competitive experience of female collegiate volleyball players. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 82(3), 1085–1086. https://doi.org/10.2466/pms.1996.82.3c.1085

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mohebi, M., Gharayagh Zandi, A., Zarei, S., & Gharayagh Zandi, H. (2019). Self-compassion and pre-competition anxiety in martial arts student athletes. Journal of Exercise Science and Medicine, 11(2), 97–104. http://dx.doi.org/10.32598/JESM.11.2.4

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mosewich, A.D. (2020). Self‐compassion in sport and exercise. In G. Tenenbaum & R.C. Eklund (Eds.), Handbook of sport psychology (pp. 158–176). John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119568124.ch8

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mosewich, A.D., Crocker, P.R., Kowalski, K.C., & DeLongis, A. (2013). Applying self-compassion in sport: An intervention with women athletes. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 35(5), 514–524. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.35.5.514

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mosewich, A.D., Kowalski, K.C., Sabiston, C.M., Sedgwick, W.A., & Tracy, J.L. (2011). Self-compassion: A potential resource for young women athletes. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 33(1), 103–123. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.33.1.103

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mosewich, A.D., Sabiston, C.M., Kowalski, K.C., Gaudreau, P., & Crocker, P.R. (2019). Self-compassion in the stress process in women athletes. The Sport Psychologist, 33(1), 23–34. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2017-0094

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Muthén, L.K., & Muthén, B.O. (2020). Mplus user’s guide (8th ed.). Muthén & Muthén.

  • Neff, K.D. (2003a). Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity, 2(2), 85–101. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309032

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Neff, K.D. (2003b). The development and validation of a scale to measure self-compassion. Self and Identity, 2(3), 223–250. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860390209035

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Neff, K.D. (2016). The self-compassion scale is a valid and theoretically coherent measure of self-compassion. Mindfulness, 7(1), 264–274. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-015-0479-3

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Neff, K.D., Hsieh, Y.P., & Dejitterat, K. (2005). Self-compassion, achievement goals, and coping with academic failure. Self and Identity, 4(3), 263–287. https://doi.org/10.1080/13576500444000317

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Neff, K.D., & Vonk, R. (2009). Self‐compassion versus global self‐esteem: Two different ways of relating to oneself. Journal of Personality, 77(1), 23–50. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2008.00537.x

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Nicholls, J. (1989). The competitive ethos and democratic education. Harvard University Press.

  • Preacher, K.J., & Hayes, A.F. (2008). Asymptotic and resampling strategies for assessing and comparing indirect effects in multiple mediator models. Behavior Research Methods, 40(3), 879–891. https://doi.org/10.3758/BRM.40.3.879

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Reinboth, M., & Duda, J.L. (2004). The motivational climate, perceived ability, and athletes’ psychological and physical well-being. The Sport Psychologist, 18(3), 237–251. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.18.3.237

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Reis, N.A., Kowalski, K.C., Ferguson, L.J., Sabiston, C.M., Sedgwick, W.A., & Crocker, P.R. (2015). Self-compassion and women athletes’ responses to emotionally difficult sport situations: An evaluation of a brief induction. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 16, 18–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2014.08.011

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Röthlin, P., Horvath, S., & Birrer, D. (2019). Go soft or go home? A review of empirical studies on the role of self-compassion in the competitive sport setting. Current Issues in Sport Science, 4, 013. https://ciss-journal.org/article/view/7606

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Röthlin, P., Horvath, S., Messerli, T., Krieger, T., Berger, T., & Birrer, D. (2022). Associations of self-compassion with shame, guilt, and training motivation after sport-specific daily stress—A smartphone study. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 19, 1–12.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Soulliard, Z.A., Kauffman, A.A., Fitterman-Harris, H.F., Perry, J.E., & Ross, M.J. (2019). Examining positive body image, sport confidence, flow state, and subjective performance among student athletes and non-athletes. Body Image, 28, 93–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.12.009

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vealey, R.S. (1986). Conceptualization of sport-confidence and competitive orientation: Preliminary investigation and instrument development. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 8(3), 221–246. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsp.8.3.221

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vealey, R.S., Garner-Holman, M., Hayashi, S.W., & Giacobbi, P. (1986). Sources of sport-confidence: Conceptualization and instrument development. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 20(1), 54–80. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.20.1.54

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Vosloo, J., Ostrow, A., & Watson, J.C. (2009). The relationships between motivational climate, goal orientations, anxiety, and self-confidence among swimmers. Journal of Sport Behavior, 32(3), 376–393.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Weinberg, R.S., & Gould, D. (2019). Foundations of sport and exercise psychology  (7th ed.) . Human Kinetics.

  • Weinberg, R.S., & Williams, J.M. (2001). Integrating and implementing a psychological skills training program. In J.M. Williams (Ed.), Applied sport psychology: Personal growth to peak performance (4th ed., pp. 347–377). Mayfield Publishing.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Yarnell, L.M., Stafford, R.E., Neff, K.D., Reilly, E.D., Knox, M.C., & Mullarkey, M. (2015). Meta-analysis of gender differences in self-compassion. Self and Identity, 14(5), 499–520. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2015.1029966

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 853 851 61
Full Text Views 103 103 5
PDF Downloads 134 134 8