ABSTRACT
In the above quote Ryan and Deci (2000) encapsulate the central role occupied by motivation in human life and offer an appreciation as to why the development of understanding in relation to motivation is of critical importance. Furthermore, the phenomena they describe are not peculiar to the context of sport, with apathy, alienation, passivity, and lack of engagement equally common in physical education (PE) classrooms, fitness clubs, and on sports fields across the globe. Sport psychology has recognised the importance of developing understanding of human motivation in the wider contexts of sport, exercise, and PE, and there is a burgeoning body of literature devoted to sport-and exercise-related motivation (see Duda, 2005, 2007; FrederickRecascino, 2004; Hagger & Chatzisarantis, 2007; Roberts, 2001; Vallerand, 2007; Wang & Biddle, 2007). Undoubtedly, the term ‘sport motivation’ incorporates an array of theoretical
frameworks and sets of ideas, each with significant implications and important contributions to make. However, this chapter specifically seeks to integrate ideas from attachment theory with two of the most popular motivational frameworks in the sport psychology literature: achievement goal theory (e.g. Dweck & Leggett, 1988; Elliot, 1997; Elliot & McGregor, 2001; Nicholls, 1984) and self-determination theory (e.g. Deci & Ryan, 1985; Ryan & Deci, 2000). Each of these theories has extensive applications in sport and
exercise and has significantly enhanced our understanding of motivation-related cognition, affect, and behaviour in sport settings. The sporting research (e.g. Carr, 2009a) is beginning to recognise the important conceptual links that these specific frameworks share with the attachment literature, and has called for developments in sport motivation research that carefully consider conceptual integration with influential frameworks from mainstream psychology. To this end, this chapter explores the important links that attachment theory shares with achievement goal and self-determination models, recognising critical areas for integration and research, and appreciating the practical and theoretical importance of such links. It is hoped that, by better ‘organising’ the key ideas and thoughts surrounding the integration of attachment theory with the motivational frameworks of achievement goal and self-determination theories, researchers will be able to appreciate the potential that attachment theory has for advancing the sport motivation literature.
