On the relationship between individual differences in motives and motor performance

Motor performance is characterized by individual differences. Motive research posits that individual differences in motives (achievement, affiliation, power) predict what types of incentives individuals experience as motivating. It follows that in order to incentivize and optimize performance, models explaining determinants of such differences are integral to design appropriate interventions or training settings. Therefore, in the current study, we tested the utility of a motive-based approach in explaining motor performance differences in a competitive sports context. Specifically, we trained and assessed sport science students’ performance in a series of motor tasks (i.e., darts, beanbag throwing, golf putting) in small groups. Beforehand, students’ motives were assessed employing both projective and self-report measures. As hypothesized, students’ projectively measured power motive (and to a lesser extent achievement motive) showed a positive relationship to motor performance. In contrast, none of the self-reported motives were related to performance. These findings highlight the utility of the achievement and power motive in explaining individual differences in motor performance and suggest feasible intervention and training strategies.