Achievement motivation orientation and psychological/interpersonal well-being in male recreational and elite cricket players : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University

Abstract

The present study examined differences between a convenience sample of elite (n=55) and recreational (n=31) cricketers in achievement motivation orientation, psychological well-being, relationship satisfaction and general attitudes and feelings to the game. Major findings were that (a) Elite athletes scored higher on both competitiveness and win orientation. (b) There was no significant difference between groups on psychological well-being. (c) There was no significant difference in relationship satisfaction between groups. Qualitative data from two open-ended questions indicated that for 40% of elite players, relationship sacrifices were the worst aspect of playing at elite level. (d) Elite cricketers scored significantly higher on commitment to cricket, achievement needs, competitive anxiety, intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation, and lower on fun/stimulation needs. (e) For elite players the best things about playing were the challenge, comradeship and win-oriented achievement, while the worst aspects were relationship sacrifices, travel, and career/financial sacrifices. For the recreational group, the best aspects were comradeship (83%) and enjoyment, and the worst aspects were overcompetitive players, cheating or incompetent umpires and rain.