Predictors and Outcomes of Sports Coaches' Athlete-Invested Contingent Self-worth

Some sports coaches not only invest considerable time and energy in their athletes, but also attach their self-worth to the successes and failures of their athletes. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, the present study aimed to examine the predictors and outcomes of such Athlete-Invested Contingent Self-worth (AICS). The findings of a cross-sectional study (Study 1; N = 740, Mage = 34.37 years) and an experimental vignette-based study among youth sports coaches (Study 2; N = 318, Mage = 38.94 years) indicated that AICS related positively to a controlling coaching style and negatively to a structuring style. Study 1 showed that an evaluative climate as induced by board members related positively to AICS, with Study 2 further demonstrating that contingent self-worth is rooted in need frustration that is provoked by an evaluative climate. The discussion focuses on the pitfalls of coaches’ contingent self-worth for their athletes’ development.