Enhancing athletes’ sport commitment and continuance through the lens of self-determination theory: The roles of perfectionistic striving and basic psychological needs
Download this article Seo Young Kim, Ji-Hang Lee and Heetae Cho
Department of Sport Science, Sungkyunkwan University, The Republic of Korea
Citation
Young Kim, S., Lee, J., Cho, H. (2025). Enhancing athletes’ sport commitment and continuance through the lens of self-determination theory: The roles of perfectionistic striving and basic psychological needs. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 56(4), 301-322. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2025.56.301
Abstract
Perfectionism is a multidimensional personality trait encompassing both positive and negative aspects. While previous studies have predominantly focused on its negative aspects, the potential benefits of perfectionistic strivings in sport remain underexplored in sport psychology. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of perfectionist strivings on sport commitment and intention to continue sport among athletes. In addition, this study examined the mediating role of basic psychological need satisfaction in the research model based on self-determination theory. A total of 273 athletes participated in this study, completing measures of perfectionistic strivings, basic psychological need, sport commitment, and sport continuance intention. Results underscored the positive influence of perfectionistic strivings on athletes’ intention to continue sport. Also, this relationship was further elucidated by the mediating mechanisms of basic psychological need satisfaction and sport commitment. These results highlight the importance of fulfilling athletes’ basic psychological needs and strengthening their commitment to sustaining long-term participation in sport. By shifting the focus toward the adaptive aspects of perfectionism, this study offers novel insights into sport psychology and provides practical implications for athletes and coaches seeking to optimize performance.
Keywords: Self-determination theory, basic psychological needs, perfection- ism, sport commitment, exercise, athletes