DECISION-MAKING AMONG EARLY ADOLESCENT FEMALES: REASONS FOR CEASING OR MAINTAINING ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIZED SPORT
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Authors
Gavidia, Lupita M.
Issue Date
1995
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study explored perceived costs and benefits of participating in sports for adolescent females aged 13-17, enrolled in secondary schools. Although attrition is often discussed in the literature, few studies explore the decision-making processes adolescent females use in choosing to remain in or cease participating in organized sports.
Data were collected through audio taped interviews of eight athletes in one-to-one, or one-to-two settings. The interview content was classified according to a Weiss and Glenn interactional model sport participation (1992). This model was used to analyze the interactive influences of social, psychological, and cognitive maturity factors. An attempt was made to identify specific patterns adolescent females use in making their decisions.
The study asked the following questions: What are the primary reasons adolescent females remain in or cease participating in sports? What are the perceived benefits and costs of participating in sports? Are females conscious of these factors? Are there critical events or costs leading to the decision to cease participating in sports?
The sample included participants of varied socio-economic (SES), ethnic, age, ability, and sport backgrounds. Of the eight female athletes interviewed, only three remain active in sport.
The study's findings provide support for the Weiss and Glenn interactional model of sport participation behavior (1992). The study concludes that the interactional model predicts participation in sports. However, the model provides no insight into the weighing of factors required in conscious decision-making.
Whether the researcher's gender, age, background in counseling and sport psychology, or sport history had an influence on the participant's responses was not investigated. Given the naturalistic interview setting, interviewee responses could have been affected, though this is thought to be unlikely.