The relationship between coaches' emotional intelligence and basic need satisfaction in athletes. Issue 3 (2nd September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Watson, Matthew; Kleinert, Jens
• Is Part Of: Sports coaching review. Volume 8:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 224
• Page End: 242
• Publication Date: 2019-09-02
• Subjects: Trait EI -- basic psychological need satisfaction -- coaching; Coaching (Athletics) -- Periodicals; 796.07705
• DOI: 10.1080/21640629.2018.1491669
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2164-0629

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Scant empirical evidence exists on the importance of coaches' emotional intelligence (EI). This cross-sectional study examined whether coaches' EI is linked to the perception and satisfaction of their athletes' basic psychological needs. Coaches ( n = 16, male = 68.8%, mean age = 33 ± 11 yrs) and youth athletes ( n = 171, male = 46.9%, mean age = 15 ± 1.5 yrs) from 16 non-elite German sports teams (basketball n = 3, football n = 5, handball n = 3, and volleyball n = 5) participated in this research. Coaches' EI, athletes' need satisfaction, and athletes' perceived autonomy support were assessed by self-report questionnaires. Multilevel analyses showed that coaches' EI self-control significantly predicted the accuracy of coaches' perceptions of athletes' competence satisfaction. Furthermore, coaches' EI well-being significantly related to athletes' perceived autonomy support. Findings suggest a partial role of coaches' EI in supporting athletes' need satisfaction.