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Rowan University

The competitive female skater: what motivates her?

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>The present study explored motivational orientation of 12 females (age 9 - 18) who participated in figure skating. The hypothesis used was that competitive skaters, with more demands on their time and finances, would more often exhibit an avoidance of failure motivation when participating in sport. This hypothesis was chosen to address the high burnout rates that are exhibited by child athletes at the elite level.</p> <p>To determine the results of the study, skaters were administered the Achievement Motivations Scale for Sporting Environments developed by Brent Rushall and Randy Fox in 2000. The scale asked 28 questions to which four response alternatives were provided. These were: always, frequently, sometimes or never. The scores that were generated indicated whether the respondent had a Motivation for Success orientation or a Motivation to Avoid Failure orientation.</p> <p>To analyze the results of the survey, a Pearson's Correlation was employed. The results determined that there was not a statistical significance between the motivation of the skaters and the amount of time skated per week. It was also concluded that the mean scores for Motivation for Success and Motivation to Avoid Failure indicated that most of these skaters continue participating with a motive to achieve success.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
M.A. in School Psychology
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Educational Services and Leadership
Year dc:date.available
2003

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Pfeffer, Jennifer L.
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Klanderman, John
  • Dihoff, Roberta

Subjects

dc:subject × 2

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/1356
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:rdw.rowan.edu:etd-2356

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Rowan University
Base URL
rdw.rowan.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Pfeffer, Jennifer L.. The competitive female skater: what motivates her?. Thesis thesis, 2003. https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/1356