Youth sport climate relates more strongly to motivation than performance
The review found positive correlations between motivational climate and youth outcomes, with substantial variation across studies and outcome types.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Motivational climate was positively associated with youth outcomes, especially motivation and cognition. Associations were weaker for engagement, performance and health. These correlations describe how measures varied together; they do not establish that changing the social environment causes better outcomes or that psychological changes necessarily come before changes in behavior.
Results varied substantially across studies. This abstract-based account does not identify the underlying study designs or measurement timelines, limiting assessment of causal explanations and any proposed sequence of effects.
What researchers found
Motivational climate and pooled youth outcomes: correlation
Correlation describes how closely measures vary together. This moderate positive relationship is not a percentage benefit. No intervention comparator or assessment timeframe is reported.
Outcome type mattered
The review examined the social environment surrounding youth sport and physical education. Associations were strongest for motivation and cognition, and weaker for engagement, performance and health. These were separate outcome categories.
Additional analyses remain limited
Publication year did not significantly explain differences in results. A publication-bias test was also nonsignificant, which cannot rule out missing evidence or strengthen a causal interpretation of the reported associations.
The original publication
A systematic review and meta-analysis of motivational climate and youth sport outcomes: examining a hierarchical effects model.
Gu Y, Cheng L
Front Psychol · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41583778
- Record checked
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