A Preliminary Investigation of The Implicit Theories in Sport Coaches

Abstract

Mindsets are beliefs about the nature of human attributes. Research with teachers found that those with a growth mindset used feedback that was more supportive, displayed higher self-efficacy and engagement, and more leadership behaviours. The purpose of this research was to explore coaches’ mindset of athletic ability and the influence of mindset on specific coaching variables. 113 coaches (Mage =38.4412.15 years; 57.5% men) completed a survey that measured mindset of athletic ability, feedback style, leadership behaviours, coaching efficacy, and engagement. Results indicated that coaches had high growth mindset beliefs (M=4.310.54, Scale=1-5). Regression analysis revealed that coaches with higher growth mindset beliefs used more control feedback and positive leadership behaviours. Coaches with higher fixed mindset beliefs used less control feedback, displayed more autocratic leadership behaviours, had lower coaching technique efficacy, and higher coaching motivation efficacy. These findings provide initial evidence for the importance of a growth mindset in sport coaches.