Using multiple level modeling to investigate the relationship between coaching attributes and athlete outcomes in youth sport

Abstract

There is growing interest in the factors that may influence the potential for youth to gain positive developmental outcomes through their involvement in sport. The current study investigated the relationships between coaching efficacy, athlete perceptions of coaching behavior, and positive youth development (PYD) outcomes of youth sport athletes. Multi level modeling was used to analyze the data as both coaching behavior and PYD were operationalized at the level of the athlete, whereas coaching efficacy was measured at the level of the coach/team. Data was collected from 26 teams and 194 athletes who completed the Youth Experiences Scale (YES) as a measure of PYD, as well as the Coaching Behavior Scale for Sport (CBS-S), as an individual-level assessment of coaching behavior. The26 coaches completed the Coaching Efficacy Scale (CES). Statistically significant models emerged for four of the seven YES variables - teamwork, basic skills, negative experiences, and positive relations. In each model, athlete assessments of coaching behavior were significant predictors, however, the coach level variable of coaching efficacy was only a significant predictor for the outcome of negative experiences. Thus, it appears that the primary significant predictors of positive development outcomes are the individuals' perceptions of the participants as opposed to the team level variable of coaching efficacy.

Acknowledgments: Funded by SSHRC