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Influence of coach’s interpersonal attraction and homophily on youth soccer players’ motivation

Einfluss der interpersonellen Attraktion und Homophilie eines Trainers auf die Motivation von Jugendfußballspielern

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Abstract

It is well known that certain coaching behaviors and characteristics have the potential in shaping players’ skill development. Interpersonal attraction and homophily are one relevant example that can be used to explain individual’s affective evaluation of another individual’s actions. In a sport context, the interpersonal characteristics of a coach can potentially influence players at different levels. This study investigated the influence of coach’s interpersonal attraction (social, physical, and task) and homophily (attitude and background) on youth soccer players’ motivation. A closed ended questionnaire was distributed to 94 youth soccer players to examine the impact of coach’s interpersonal attraction and homophily on their motivation. The results showed that coach’s social, physical, and task attractions significantly influenced players’ motivation. We also found that coach’s attitude positively contributed to players’ motivation. Outcomes from this study offer new insights into the development of coaching relationship quality and players’ motivation. It also enriches the current theoretical understanding on how certain interpersonal behaviors of a coach may influence individuals’ motivation in a sport context.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Open Education College, Baghdad, Iraq

    Mazin Abdul-Sattar

  2. Zakho Sport Club, Zakho, Dohuk, Iraq

    Mazin Abdul-Sattar

  3. School of Media and Performing Arts, Coventry University, Coventry, UK

    Hosam Al-Samarraie

  4. Centre for Arts, Memory, and Communities, Coventry University, Coventry, UK

    Hosam Al-Samarraie

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  1. Mazin Abdul-Sattar
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  2. Hosam Al-Samarraie
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Correspondence to Mazin Abdul-Sattar.

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M. Abdul-Sattar and H. Al-Samarraie declare that they have no competing interests.

For this article no studies with human participants or animals were performed by any of the authors. All studies performed were in accordance with the ethical standards indicated in each case.

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Abdul-Sattar, M., Al-Samarraie, H. Influence of coach’s interpersonal attraction and homophily on youth soccer players’ motivation. Ger J Exerc Sport Res 51, 63–70 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-020-00689-0

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