Sports Motivation and Perceived Autonomy Support among Badminton Players of West Bengal

The present study explores the Perceived autonomy support and Sport motivation of three groups of badminton players within the age range of 17-35 years. Total 31 participants including Established Players (n=10), Potential Players (n=11) and Recreational Players (n=10) were chosen for the study. The participants completed the questionnaires of GHQ-12 (Goldberg & Williams 1988), Sport Motivation Scale (SMS; Pelletier, Fortier, Vallerand, Tuson, Briere 1995), and Sports Climate Questionnaire (SCQ)- Deci & Ryan (2006). In the present study, GHQ has been used as a screening tool and only those individuals were included in the sample who scored 19 or less. Descriptive statistics (Mean and SD) followed by Non-Parametric Test (Mann-Whitney U test) were done to analyse the data. Findings suggest that the environment is most autonomy-supportive for recreational players and also for the potential players to some extent than established player. Potential players are found to be more intrinsically motivated than established players. These findings have significant applied value in terms of designing motivational interviewing and counselling programmes specific to various mental health issues faced by the players in Indian sport set ups. Many times, they go unnoticed and unaddressed thereby leading to gross deterioration in their psychological wellbeing and hence affect their performance. There is scope for further research to show the requirement for inclusion and recruitment of sports psychologists compulsorily to provide timely intervention to the players.