The Relationship Between Mastery Orientation and Maximal Oxygen Uptake Among Military Cadets: The Mediating Role of Intrinsic Motivation. (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Buch, Robert; Dysvik, Anders; Kuvaas, Bård; Säfvenbom, Reidar
• Is Part Of: Military behavioral health. Volume 4:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 398
• Page End: 408
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: Achievement orientation -- intrinsic motivation -- physical fitness; Military psychiatry -- Periodicals; Combat -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 355.345
• DOI: 10.1080/21635781.2016.1187099
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2163-5781

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Drawing upon achievement goal theory (AGT) and self-determination theory (SDT), a longitudinal study was conducted among 248 military cadets across a two-year time span. The results showed that mastery orientation at Time 1 was positively associated with intrinsic motivation at Time 2 after controlling for intrinsic motivation at Time 1. Furthermore, intrinsic motivation assessed at Time 2 was positively associated with maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) at Time 3 after controlling for VO2 max at Time 2. This suggests that military cadets who strive to improve their personal performance (i.e., mastery-oriented individuals) are more likely to exhibit an increase in their level of VO2 max and that this increase can be attributed to increased intrinsic motivation.