The relationship between controlling coaching behavior, fear of failure, and achievement goals in youth ice hockey players

Abstract

A notable volume of research has been conducted on controlling coaching behavior, fear of failure, and achievement goals. However, limited research has been done utilizing all three elements in a single study. Previous literature suggests that fear of failure is positively related to mastery-avoidance (MAv), performance-approach (Papp), and performance-avoidance (PAv) achievement goals (Conroy & Elliot, 2004) and can change achievement motivation goals more towards avoidance behavior (Conroy & Elliot, 2004). Conroy and Coatsworth (2007) have argued that controlling coaching behavior may influence the progress of athletes’ fear of failure. This study involved 336 competitive youth ice hockey players aged between 15 to 16 years from Finland. The players completed the Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory (PFAI; Conroy, 2001), the 2 x 2 Achievement Goals Questionnaire for Sport (Conroy, Elliot & Hofey, 2003), and the Controlling Coach Behaviour Scale (CCBS; Bartholomew, Ntoumanis, & Thøgersen-Ntoumani, 2010). The results showed that fear of failure was positively related to mastery-avoidance and performance-avoidance goals. Controlling coaching behavior was positively related to fear of failure, but it was not significantly related to players’ achievement motivation goals. However, controlling coaching behavior was positively associated with achievement goals via fear of failure. The results showed that fear of failure moderated the relationship between controlling coaching behavior and achievement avoidance goals.