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The purpose of this study, grounded in the Achievement Goal Perspective Theory (AGPT) and a Caring framework, was to effectively adapt previously validated measures of caring, task-involving (CTI), and ego-involving (EI) climates for college exercise classes to the college biology laboratory setting. The items' measurement quality was assessed over two studies. Students (N[subscript Study1] = 249, female 73%; N[subsccript Study2] = 199, female 78%) enrolled in biology laboratory courses were invited to complete a survey during the last two weeks of their laboratory course. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed overall good fit; however, two EI items had low loadings, so their wording was revised for Study 2. CFA results of Study 2 provided reliability and validity support for the use of these relatively brief and easy to administer measures in the college laboratory setting. This research provides additional support for creating CTI climates in the college laboratory setting.

Biology laboratory instructors play a key role in creating an optimal environment where college students try hard and enjoy their classroom experiences. This study used achievement goal perspective theory to examine the influence of instructor behaviors on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students' perceptions of the motivational climate (caring, task, ego) and their adaptive (i.e., effort, enjoyment, performance self-esteem, and social self-esteem) and maladaptive (i.e., shame) experiences in the biology laboratory setting. Students (N = 563; women, 65%; men, 35%) enrolled in biology laboratory courses voluntarily completed a survey during the final week of the semester. Results of two structural equation modeling analyses across gender and racial identities made two important contributions to the STEM higher education literature: (1) when instructors engaged in effective teaching behaviors, students were more likely to perceive a caring/task-involving climate and, in turn, report adaptive motivational responses (i.e., increased effort, enjoyment, self-esteem; decreased shame); and (2) neither gender nor race moderated the measurement of the latent parameters. This research has important pedagogical implications, as teaching assistants could be trained to engage in these effective behaviors to optimize students' STEM learning experiences.

Athletes have reported that they would experience shame while playing sport, both for their lack of preparation (process shame) and for their poor outcomes (result shame) during competition. The purpose of this study was to explore how motivational climate is related to athletes' process and result shame. A survey was administered to 259 high-school track and field athletes before a practice 3 weeks into the season. Structural equation modeling showed that a perceived caring and task-involving motivational climate was positively related to athletes' process shame and negatively related to their result shame. Perceptions of an ego-involving motivational climate were negatively related to athletes' process shame and positively related to athletes' result shame. The results highlight that caring and task-involving behaviors in coaches may help mitigate proneness to shame in athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited research has investigated the relationship between individuals' perceptions of their weight status and their physical self-concept. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of college students' Body Mass Index (BMI) scores (i.e. based on actual and self-reported data), and whether students' physical self-concept scores differed according to their perceived weight status classification. Methods: Undergraduate students (N=192) completed the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire and self-reported their height, weight and weight status classification. Actual height and weight measurements were also obtained. Results: Analysis using t-tests revealed females had significantly higher actual than self-reported BMI scores (t = 2.16, df = 125, P less than 0.05), but not males. ANOVA analyses revealed a significant difference for both females and males in physical self-concept scores based on their weight status category. Discussion: Results suggested that males, but not females, accurately reported their height and weight scores, but neither gender tended to accurately identify their weight status. Females and males who perceived themselves to be of normal weight reported the highest physical self-concept scores. Translation to Health Education Practice: To understand and assess students' health risks better, health educators should provide students information about (1) accurately identifying and understanding their BMI scores, (2) their weight status implications, and (3) the effects that weight status may have on physical self-concept. (Contains 4 tables.)

The college years are a critical period for students to adopt and strengthen health behaviors, such as physical activity (PA), that support their physical and mental health. This exploratory study examines the relationship between students' perceptions of a caring and task-involving climate (CTIC) at their campus recreation center (CRC) to their feelings of thriving, effort, and enjoyment. Students (N = 161) at a large Midwestern university volunteered to complete a brief survey. A canonical correlation analysis indicated students' perceptions of a CTIC were significantly and positively related to thriving (vitality and learning), effort, and enjoyment. Although future research is needed to further examine thriving in PA settings, the construct may be key in understanding college students' experiences at CRCs and the benefits that may result from experiencing a supportive environment, allowing individuals to focus on their personal effort and improvement as measures of success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role of mindful engagement in the relationship between male high school athletes' motivational climate perceptions on their teams (i.e., caring, task-, and ego-involving climate) to athlete coachability. Athletes (N = 164, Mage = 15.58 years) from multiple sports completed measures assessing mindful engagement in sport (Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale—Revised), Caring Climate Scale, task- and ego-involving climate perceptions (Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire), and coachability (Athletic Coping Skills Inventory). Initial bivariate correlations linked mindful engagement and coachability positively with perceptions of a caring and task-involving climate and negatively with ego-involving climate perceptions. Structural equation modeling analyses then revealed mindful engagement mediated the relationship between climate and coachability. Encouraging coaches and players to foster a caring/task-involving climate might assist in enhancing athletes' mindful engagement in sport, which may positively influence the degree to which they are coachable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between athletes' perceptions of the motivational climate (caring, task-, and ego-involving) to their levels of compassion, self-compassion, pride, and shame in a recreational sport setting. Athletes (N = 164) in a competitive Wiffle Ball tournament completed a survey. A canonical correlation analysis revealed one significant function indicating that athletes' perceptions of a caring and task-involving motivational climate were associated with higher levels of authentic pride and lower levels of hubristic pride. Results suggest adult recreational sport participants may benefit from experiencing a positive and supportive team climate.

Individuals experiencing a highly caring, task-involving, and low ego-involving exercise climate have reported greater ownership in exercise class and empowerment to exercise in general. Purpose: This study examined the relationship between ownership and empowerment in exercise, with 2 context-specific outcomes, satisfaction with physical education (PE) and physical activity, respectively. Given the mission of PE to foster individuals' lifelong physical activity habit, the perceptions of high school students were collected for this study. Ownership in exercise was hypothesized to be significantly, positively correlated with students reporting satisfaction in PE more than their satisfaction in physical activity, whereas empowerment in exercise was hypothesized to be more strongly, positively correlated with students' physical activity satisfaction. A second purpose of this study was to test the measurement quality of the updated Empowerment in Exercise Scale (EES; now 13 items). Method: High school students (N = 502, 43% female) in a Midwestern U.S. school district completed a survey. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis supported the internal measurement structure of the EES (? = 0.62-0.91; McDonald's omega = 0.89) across student gender (strong invariance). Additionally, the structural equation modeling analysis revealed only 1 parameter moderated by the students' gender (latent mean of ownership). The hypotheses were supported, such that ownership in exercise was more strongly correlated with PE satisfaction (r = 0.87) and empowerment in exercise had a stronger correlation with physical activity satisfaction (r = 0.92). Conclusion: These results support the beneficial effect a satisfying experience in PE can have on students' satisfaction with physical activity outside of school.

In recent years there has been an increased concern over the frequency and effects of concussions on athletes. Given that perceptions of caring/task-involving climates on sports teams have both physical and psychological well-being benefits for athletes, the climate may have implications for concussion-reporting as well. Therefore, the purpose of this explorative study was to examine the relationship between female high school athletes 'perceptions of the climate on their soccer teams to variables related to preventing and treating concussions. Participants completed a survey measuring their perceptions of climate (caring, task-, ego-involving), potential barriers to reporting concussion symptoms, and their likelihood of reporting symptoms to their coaches in different game scenarios. In addition, the athletes reported their beliefs that their coaches and teammates care about their well-being. Three canonical analyses revealed a positive relationship between athletes 'perceptions of a caring, task-involving climate and their 1) willingness to report concussion symptoms, 2) overcoming barriers to reporting concussion symptoms, and 3) beliefs that their coaches and teammates care about their well-being. With the current public attention on concussions in youth sports, most sport clubs focus on educating coaches and athletes on concussion symptoms. This study explored a different approach to impacting the number of sport-related concussions, and the results suggest that emphasizing a caring and task-involving climate may play a role in preventing and protecting athletes from concussions in sport., Research on sport-related concussions has proliferated in the past decade and has contributed to a growing understanding of the symptomology and potential severity associated with this injury (Choe, Babikian, DiFiori, [...]

Psychological coping skills in sport are believed to be central to athlete performance and well-being. This study examined the relationship between the perceived motivational climate in elite collegiate sport teams and player psychological coping skills use. Division I athletes (N = 467) completed a questionnaire examining their perceptions of how caring, task-, and ego-involving their teams were and their use of sport specific psychological coping skills (i.e., coping with adversity, peaking under pressure, goal setting/mental preparation, concentration, freedom from worry, confidence/achievement motivation, and coachability). Structural equation modeling revealed positive relationships between perceptions of a task-involving climate and confidence/achievement motivation (β = 0.42) and goal setting/mental preparation (β = 0.27). Caring climate perceptions were positively associated with coachability (β = 0.34). These findings illustrate how encouraging athletes and coaches to create a caring, task-involving climate may facilitate athletes' use of psychological coping skills and set athletes up to perform their best and have a positive sporting experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to develop an abbreviated version of the Perceived Motivational Climate in Exercise Questionnaire (PMCEQ-A) to provide a more practical instrument for use in applied exercise settings. In the calibration step, two shortened versions' measurement and latent model values were compared to each other and the original PMCEQ using a three-group CFA invariance testing approach with previously collected exercise setting data (N = 5,427). Based on the model fit and reliability values, the 12-item version performed better than the 17-item version. The resultant 12-item PMCEQ-A's CFA model estimates were then compared to the PMCEQ's model values for two different, previously conducted studies of exercise settings (N = 414 and 770). The more parsimonious 12-item PMCEQ-A can be used by exercise psychology researchers to gain insight into members' perspectives on the motivational climate and may lead to developing effective strategies to enhance members' experiences and commitment.

The purpose of this study was to consider how the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) Triple-Impact Competitor (TIC) workshop could be used to help create a positive climate for recreational sport club participants, and to examine how perceptions of a positive team climate related to indices of psychological well-being among sport club athletes. At the beginning of their season, sport club leaders completed the PCA TIC workshop. Following the conclusion of the spring season, we invited all sport club participants (N = 109) to complete a survey that examined the motivational climate on their teams, as well as their hope, happiness, and self-kindness. Athletes' perceptions of a CTI climate were significantly and positively related to their hope, happiness, and self-kindness. Results suggest that the PCA TIC training is an inexpensive strategy that may foster a positive environment within university sport club teams and may assist programs in promoting indices of psychological well-being among club sport athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study's purpose was to examine the psychometric properties of two new scales developed to quantitatively measure participants' ownership in exercise classes and empowerment, with respect to exercise. These two outcome measures will compliment Achievement Goal Perspective Theory (AGPT) grounded research to better understand participants' exercise experiences. College exercise class participants (N?=?414; M[subscript age] = 21.25 years; 63% female) completed the survey during the last two weeks of a semester. Measurement invariance was assessed by a two-group (i.e., male and female) confirmatory factor analysis and used Mplus' cluster option to account for the data's nested nature. Strong invariance was achieved, which provided psychometric evidence for the ownership and empowerment in exercise measures. Additional validity support was provided by the ownership and empowerment latent relationships aligning with the researchers' a priori hypotheses. These results provide preliminary validity evidence for the Ownership in Exercise Scale (OES) and Empowerment in Exercise Scale (EES).

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between members' perceptions of staff's behaviors, motivational climate, their own behaviors, commitment to future exercise, and life satisfaction in a group-fitness setting. The theory-driven hypothesized mediating role of perceptions of the climate was also tested. Method: Members (N = 5,541) of a national group-fitness studio franchise completed a survey regarding their class experiences. The survey included questions that measured participants' perceptions of the motivational climate (caring, task-involving, ego-involving), perceptions of staff's behaviors, their own behaviors, commitment to exercise, and life satisfaction. Structural equation modeling was used to assess both the association between variables and the theoretically driven predictive relationships. Results: The participants perceived the environment as highly caring and task-involving and low ego-involving. They reported high exercise commitment and moderately high life satisfaction and perceived that the staff's and their own behaviors reflected caring, task-involving characteristics. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that those who perceived a higher caring, task-involving climate and lower ego-involving climate were more likely to report more task-involving, caring behaviors among the staff and themselves as well as greater commitment to exercise. In addition, a theory-driven mediational model suggested that staff behaviors may be an antecedent to members' exercise experiences by impacting their perceptions of the climate. Conclusions: The results of this study give direction to specific behaviors in which staff of group-fitness programs might engage to positively influence members' exercise experiences.

Salivary cortisol is often used as an index of physiological and psychological stress in exercise science and psychoneuroendocrine research. A primary concern when designing research studies examining cortisol stems from the high cost of analysis. Planned missing data designs involve intentionally omitting a random subset of observations from data collection, reducing both the cost of data collection and participant burden. These designs have the potential to result in more efficient, cost-effective analyses with minimal power loss. Using salivary cortisol data from a previous study (Hogue, Fry, Fry, & Pressman, 2013), this article examines statistical power and estimated costs of six different planned missing data designs using growth curve modeling. Results indicate that using a planned missing data design would have provided the same results at a lower cost relative to the traditional, complete data analysis of salivary cortisol.

Given the potential benefits of understanding how climate may influence individuals' motivational outcomes, there exists a need for instrumentation measuring exercise setting climates. The purpose of this study was to validate further the psychometric properties of the Perceived Motivational Climate in Exercise Questionnaire (Huddleston, Fry & Brown, 2012), developed to assess motivational climates in exercise settings. Current members of a university fitness center (N = 779, M[subscript age] = 20.33, SD = 3.31) were asked to complete a survey that included their perceptions of the task- and ego-involving climate, caring climate, and positive and negative mood. Using confirmatory factor analysis, the factor structure of the Perceived Motivational Climate in Exercise Questionnaire was established. In addition, both the caring climate and positive and negative mood states were examined to add to the ongoing construct validation of the instrument. Results revealed support for a 27-item Perceived Motivational Climate in Exercise Questionnaire. Implications for the need for the Perceived Motivational Climate in Exercise Questionnaire in exercise settings are discussed. (Contains 3 tables and 2 figures.)

The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project (ZYEP) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children living in the Pueblo of Zuni, a rural Indigenous community. Sport and exercise psychology scholars have highlighted the need for greater diversity in applied sport psychology research, arguing specifically for greater exposure to applied work with populations from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. This paper describes a collaboration between an Indigenous youth program and a sport psychology lab that included the development of a coaching workshop for a sport-based positive youth development program. Collaborative efforts and the coaching workshop activities are shared, along with lessons learned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding what factors influence positive youth development has been advocated by youth development researchers (P. L. Benson, 2006; J. S. Eccles & J. A. Gootman, 2002). Consequently, the purpose of this study was to examine whether perceptions of a caring youth sport context influenced prosocial and antisocial behavior through efficacy-related beliefs, that is, positive and negative affective self-regulatory efficacy (ASRE) and empathic self-efficacy (ESE). Multiethnic youths taking part in summer sport programs (N = 395) completed a questionnaire that measured perceptions of the caring climate, ESE, ASRE, and social behavior. Structural equation modeling was used to test whether ASRE and ESE mediated the relationship between caring and social behaviors. Findings revealed that perceptions of caring positively predicted ASRE and ESE. In turn, positive ASRE positively predicted ESE. Prosocial behaviors were positively linked to ESE, whereas antisocial behaviors were negatively predicted by positive ASRE. The results suggest that caring influences prosocial and antisocial behavior because such contexts develop youths' ability to monitor, manage, and control positive affect, which in turn enhances their belief in their ability to empathize. Keywords: caring, positive youth development, empathy, emotion regulation, efficacy

The purpose of this study is to identify physical and performance variables that discriminate elite American junior-aged men weightlifters from nonelite performers. Using a cross-sectional design, multiple discriminant analysis was used to determine field tests identifying elite male junior weightlifters. Young men who were participants (n = 115) at the Junior National and Junior Olympics Weightlifting Championships volunteered as subjects (mean [+ or -] SD age = 14.8 [+ or -] 2.3 years). Elite weightlifters (n = 20) were identified as the top 17.5% of national-level competitors when weightlifting performances were adjusted for body mass using the Sinclair equation. All other weightlifters were classified as nonelite (n = 95). Test batteries were performed immediately upon completion of a national-level weightlifting competition. Variables measured included easily-administered field tests of physical dimensions and body composition, muscular strength and power, flexibility, and gross motor control. The resulting regression equations correctly classified 84.35% of the weightlifters as elite or nonelite. Five variables significantly contributed to the discriminant analysis (Wilks [LAMBDA] = 0.6637392, [chi square] = 44.880, df = 5, p < 0.0001, adjusted [R.sup.2] = 0.67). Body mass index accounted for 23.13% of the total variance, followed by vertical jump (22.78%), relative fat (18.09%), grip strength (14.43%), and torso angle during an overhead squat (0.92%). The use of these 5 easily administered field tests is potentially useful as a screening tool for elite American junior men weightlifters. KEY WORDS. talent identification, strength, power, flexibility, body composition

It is determined whether athletes' perceptions of social support from their certified athletic trainers (ATCs) are related to their beliefs about the rehabilitation process. Results suggest that when severely injured athletes perceive that their ATCs provide strong social support, they are more likely to believe in their rehabilitation programs.

This study examined the developmental aspects of children's understanding of luck and skill. Interviews with children and adolescents indicate that as children age they become increasingly aware that effort enhances performance in games of skill, but has no effect in games of chance.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between student- athletes perceptions of the motivational climate on their sport teams and their own career exploration and engagement and athletic identity. Student-athletes (N = 101) from various National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I institutions were administered online surveys. Canonical correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between the climate variables (i.e., caring, task, and ego) and athletic identity, career self-efficacy, and career exploration/engagement. One significant function emerged: Perceptions of a high task-involving climate and moderate caring climate were positively associated with athletes' reporting higher athletic identity, career self-efficacy, and career exploration/engagement. Results suggest that Division I athletes may benefit from having coaches who foster a caring and task-involving team climate with regard to the athletes' development as holistic individuals who spend their college years performing at a high level of sport and also preparing for their lives after college and sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of a university recreation center intervention aimed at increasing members' perceptions of a caring, task-involving climate. In addition, members' perceptions of staff behaviors and their own behaviors were measured. College students (N = 282) completed questionnaires before and after an intervention designed to increase perceptions of a caring, task-involving climate. Results revealed the intervention did increase members' perceptions of the caring, task-involving climate while reducing perceptions of the ego-involving climate. Members' perceptions of the staff and their own positive behaviors also increased. The staff's behaviors predicted members' perceptions of the three types of climates; moreover, members' perceptions of the ego-involving climate negatively predicted their caring, task-involving behaviors. The study suggests that members' perceptions of the climate can be positively influenced through minimal training with recreation center staff and that the behaviors in which the staff engage are an antecedent to members' perceptions of the motivational climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of motivational climate on physiological responses to psychological stress remains largely unknown. The purpose of this experimental investigation was to examine the psychological and physiological stress and motivational responses of college students (N = 57, Mage = 20.34) during a 30-minute instructional juggling session that was either caring, task-involving (C/TI) or ego-involving (EI). Cortisol and inflammation were assessed at six time points over the 2-hr study, and participants completed pre- and post-questionnaires. As hypothesised, the EI climate elicited concerning responses including greater psychosocial and state cognitive stress, negative affect, and cortisol, while the C/TI climate yielded adaptive responses including what may be a multifaceted physiologically protective mechanism to performance-related stress. Specifically, the C/TI climate yielded greater sTNFαRII, performance and social self-esteem, positive affect, and coping appraisals. Results suggest C/TI climates procure psychological and physiological responses that facilitate performance and well-being and foster a greater interest in physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between college students' perceptions of the motivational climate (i.e., caring, task- and ego-involving) in physical activity courses to their physical self-concept, hope, and happiness. Midwestern university undergraduates (N = 412), enrolled in group physical activity classes, completed the following measures: class climate, physical self-concept, hope, and happiness. Canonical correlation analysis revealed that students who perceived a caring, task-involving climate were more likely to report high physical self-concept, hope, and happiness. A gender comparison found that while perceptions of the ego-involving climate were significantly higher for males, the ego climate did not significantly contribute to the males' canonical correlation. In addition, while physical self-concept was positively associated with climate for both genders, males were more likely to experience higher physical self-concept than females. Results suggest positive and supportive exercise environments may not only help individuals reap the physical benefits of exercise but also the psychological benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study highlights how sport psychology professionals can assist sport administrators in evaluating and strengthening youth sport programs. A sport psychology research team provided expertise to two sport administrators to develop a survey to examine their athletes' experiences participating in the programs. The study examines the relationship between athletes' perceptions of the climate (caring, task, and ego involving) to their intrinsic motivation, caring behaviors, and future intention to participate in the sport. Volleyball clinic (Sample 1: N = 71) and basketball summer camp (Sample 2: N = 138) participants completed the survey. Canonical correlation analyses for each sample revealed one significant function indicating that the athletes' perceptions of a caring/task-involving climate, along with low perceptions of an ego-involving climate, were associated with higher levels of intrinsic motivation, caring behaviors, and future desire to participate. Sport administrators can use this information for coach training, parent education and overall program evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research in achievement goal perspective theory suggests that the creation of a caring/task-involving (C/TI) climate results in more advantageous psychological and behavioral responses relative to an ego-involving (EI) climate; however, research has not yet examined the physiological consequences associated with psychological stress in relation to climate. Given the possible health and fitness implications of certain physiological stress responses, it is critical to understand this association. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine whether an EI climate procures increases in the stress-responsive hormone cortisol, as well as negative psychological changes, following the learning of a new skill, compared with a C/TI climate. Participants (n = 107) were randomized to a C/TI or an EI climate in which they learned how to juggle for 30 min over the course of 2 hr. Seven salivary cortisol samples were collected during this period. Results indicated that EI participants experienced greater cortisol responses after the juggling session and significantly greater anxiety, stress, shame, and self-consciousness relative to C/TI participants. In contrast, the C/TI participants reported greater enjoyment, effort, self-confidence, and interest and excitement regarding future juggling than the EI participants. These findings indicate that motivational climates may have a significant impact on both the physiological and psychological responses of participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines how leader efficacy in physical education teachers encourages positive development in children. The teacher is primarily responsible for creating a caring learning environment that fosters student achievement. The efficacy of the teachers who were studied included the use of surveys like the Personal Caring Scale to measure the teachers' emotional intelligence. All of the teachers reported that they could control their own emotions and motivate students to participate in the team sport activities.

Objective: To determine whether athletes' perceptions of social support from their certified athletic trainers (ATCs) were related to their beliefs about the rehabilitation process. Design: Division I athletes (N = 57) completed a survey including measures of social support and beliefs about rehabilitation. Participants: Division I college athletes (35 men, 22 women) who had sustained an injury that caused them to miss no less than 5 consecutive days. Measurements: The Social Support Survey (SSS) and the Sports Injury Rehabilitation Beliefs Survey (SIRBS). Results: Results revealed significant correlations between the SSS and the SIRBS scales only for athletes who had sustained severe injuries. Multiple-regression analyses revealed that the SSS scales were significant predictors of each of the SIRBS scales. Conclusions: Results suggest that when severely injured athletes perceive that their ATCs provide strong social support, they are more likely to believe in their rehabilitation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]