Reflected appraisals and perceived importance of significant others' appraisals as predictors of college athletes' self-perceptions of competence

Res Q Exerc Sport. 2003 Mar;74(1):60-70. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2003.10609065.

Abstract

This study examined the reflected appraisal process with college athletes (N = 325). Specifically, the study tested (a) the relative influence of the reflected appraisals of mothers, fathers, coaches, and teammates (i.e., how athletes perceive these others view their ability) on athletes' self-perceptions of competence, and (b) whether the importance placed on these significant others as sources of competence information moderated the relationship. Based on a factor analysis, composite variables were formed representing the reflected appraisals of the athletes' parents (i.e., father, mother) and the reflected appraisals of sport-others (i.e., coach, teammates). Regression analyses revealed that the reflected appraisals of parents (beta = .21) and sport-others (beta = .55) predicted self-perceptions of competence (p < .05, R2 = .45). Follow-up analyses determined that the reflected appraisal of sport-others was a significantly stronger predictor. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that the interaction of reflected appraisals and the importance of significant others did not significantly add to the prediction of self-perceptions of competence (p > .05, deltaR2 = .01) beyond the independent effects of these constructs. Results are discussed in terms of the reflected appraisal process and the influence of significant others on athletes' self-perceptions.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Parents
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self Concept*
  • Sports / psychology*
  • Task Performance and Analysis