The purpose of this study was to investigate the dynamics of motivational forces in career stages in legendary table tennis players. Participants invited for this study were two highly recognized Swedish table tennis players who achieved major titles during their competitive career. The theoretical frameworks included the self-determination theory (SDT; Ryan & Deci, 1985, 2000), achievement goal theory (AGT; Nicholls, 1989), and the developmental model of transition faced by athletes (Wylleman & Lavallee, 2004). The study was based on in-depth narrative interviews on the field where the researcher stimulated participants to tell their stories in retrospect based on their perceptions of motivational drives across different stages. Results revealed that participants were (a) strongly driven by multiple personal goals (e.g., self-determined, winning major titles), (b) had high perception of ability (e.g., high task and high ego), (c) table tennis was central to their lives, and (d) they were surrounded by facilitative environment. Results are discussed in relation to theoretical frameworks and previous research.
The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between dispositional goal orientation (task/ego), perceived motivational climate (mastery/performance) and psychological well-being (such as emotional affect and self-esteem) among elite and non-elite table tennis players. Participants were 85 table tennis players who practice and compete on different levels. The study was carried out quantitatively by assessing perceptions of success questionnaire, perceived motivational climate inventory, positive and negative affect in sport descriptor, and a self-esteem schedule. Results showed no significance difference in goal orientations, perceived motivational climate and psychological well-being between elite and non-elite participants. Further analysis however showed significant differences in motivational and psychological patterns that existed within these two groups. The results are discussed in relation to theoretical frameworks and previous research.