Abstract
Objectives
This study examines (i) how group-based emotions are related to sport enjoyment and commitment, and (ii) whether sport identity moderates these associations.
Methods
Group-based self-conscious emotions, sport identity, sport enjoyment and commitment were assessed in 256 young female athletes that ranged from 11 to 17 years of age (Mage= 14.11 years, SD = 1.38 years). Participants were involved in recreational or competitive sport in the Greater Toronto Area. Data were analyzed using multivariate linear regression analyses.
Results
Group-based guilt, shame, envy, and embarrassment were negatively associated with sport enjoyment (? ranging from -.09 to -.20, all p < .05) and guilt, shame, and embarrassment were related to sport commitment (? ranging from -.11 to -.14, all p < .05). Group-based authentic pride was positively associated with both sport enjoyment (? = .23, p < .01) and commitment (? = .16, p < .01), while hubristic pride was unrelated to both enjoyment and commitment. Social identity in sport was independently associated with enjoyment and commitment in all models (? ranging from .23 to .28, all p < .05). A significant interaction was found for group-based guilt and social identity, suggesting that the relationship of guilt with enjoyment and commitment increases among individuals with stronger social identity.
Conclusion
Group-based emotions—and in parallel social identity—may be worthwhile targets for interventions that aim to improve sport outcomes and mitigate high rates of sport dropout currently observed among young female athletes.
