Abstract
This study was designed to identify the predictors of eudaimonia and hedonia in organized sport at varying levels of competition (from recreational to elite levels). These complimentary aspects of subjective well-being may influence athlete persistence and satisfaction in their sport. Eudaimonic well-being involves pursuing activities that reflect one's personal values and hedonic well-being is seeking comfort or enjoyment (Huta, 2013). The potential predictors examined included team environment, coach strategy and feedback, and components of self-determination. A secondary focus of this study was to examine the differences between the level of play an athlete participates in and hedonia and eudaimonia. Participants (N=55) completed a 133-item self-report questionnaire comprised of validated measures of hedonia and eudaimonia, intrinsic motivation, positive and negative affect, autonomy, athlete and coaching behaviour, and basic need support (autonomy, relatedness, and competence; Ryan & Deci, 2000). Significant correlations were observed between eudaimonia scores and personal dedication scores (r = .324) in the Athlete Satisfaction Questionnaire (ASQ; Riemer & Chelladurai, 1998). For hedonia scores, a significant correlation was observed with the team integration (r = .179) portion of the ASQ. No relationships were found between an athlete's level of play and eudaimonia or hedonia. The results of this study suggested that optimal well-being for athletes that play organized sport lies in their personal dedication to their sport, as well as being a contributing member to the progress of their respective team.
