Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences

Department

Sport and Exercise Psychology

Committee Chair

Samuel Zizzi

Abstract

Research has revealed that Emotional Intelligence is linked to improved conflict resolution, enhanced social attachments and mental health, and the ability to create a collective set of goals that motivate others (Pau & Croucher, 2003). The recent surge of research assessing the role EI may play in leadership effectiveness, motivation, and social attachments within non-sport domains overlaps with similar research within sport that assesses the influence of emotion on coaching effectiveness (Frijda & Mesquita, 1994; Mageau & Vallerand, 2003). Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to examine if higher EI coached athletes (N=34) varied compared to lower EI coached athletes (N=46) in their strength of the coach-athlete relationship, perceived motivational climate, college soccer satisfaction, and coaches' ability to motivate. Results of the investigation indicate that lower EI coached athletes reported stronger coach-athlete relationships compared to higher EI coached athletes but no significant difference between the groups were reported on perceived motivational climate, college soccer satisfaction, and coaches' ability to motivate. The practical implications of these results are discussed, while relevant EI research within non-sport domains and a purposed line of coaching research using EI theory are explored.

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