Date of Graduation

2000

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between communication, trust, success (i.e., performance outcome), satisfaction, and longevity of competitive pairs and ice dancing teams. The participants were 102 ice dancers (N = 74) and pairs skaters (N = 28) ranging in age from 10-26 (M = 17.40) from training sites in Northeastern Canada and the United States. They represented all levels of competitive experience (Juvenile N = 6, Intermediate/Pre-novice N = 14, Novice N = 20, Junior N = 32, and Senior N = 30). A survey package was completed which included: (1) a demographic questionnaire; (2) a measure of the participants perceived satisfaction with their relationship with their current partner (i.e., relational satisfaction) and their perceived satisfaction with the level of success they have achieved with their current partner (i.e., success satisfaction); (3) a measure of the skaters actual performance outcome was a weighted score based on the participant rankings during their most recent competitive season; (4) the Relational Communication Scale (Burgoon & Hale, 1987); (5) the Dyadic Trust Scale (Larzelere & Huston, 1980) examining interpersonal trust and; (6) a sport specific adapted form of the Dyadic Trust Scale examining physical trust. Results suggest that the communication theme "intimacy" may be a predictor of relational and success satisfaction. The RCS subscales were not significant predictors of longevity or performance outcome. Trust was a significantly correlated with relational satisfaction, success satisfaction and performance outcome. The type of relationship the participants reported had an impact on their scores on the RCS, DTS and adjusted DTS. The social validity assessment suggested that participants found the survey to be interesting and helpful. Limitations, suggestions for future research and significance of the study was discussed.

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